Official Transport Canada Approved Quebec Boating License
The Official Transport Canada Approved Boating Safety Course to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Unlimited test retries included & good for life.
Do I Need a Boating License in Quebec?
Going boating in Québec? You need to get your BOATsmart! Pleasure Craft Operator Card before you launch the boat. Motorized boat operators of any age, with any engine horsepower, and any boat size will need to have their Québec Boating License in order to legally go boating in Québec. Boaters caught operating a motorized boat on Québec’s waterways without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (boating license) will receive a fine of $250.
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Transport Canada Approved
We've been making smart boaters for more than 17 years. BOATsmart! is Canada’s largest Transport Canada Accredited Course Provider and we’re proud to be trusted by more Canadian boaters. Your BOATsmart! Card is also accepted in more than 40 U.S. states. We’ve got you covered.
Kempenfelt Bay, ON
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“Wow, you guys have done an amazing job! Way more interactive and interesting than 8 years ago when I first took the boat exam. I am very impressed.“
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Watch, Listen & Learn
From anywhere, on any device at any time.
Our animated and narrated Boating Safety Course is perfect for all ages. Study from your Smartphone, Tablet or Desktop and switch between devices at any time. BOATsmart! automatically tracks your progress so you can study at your own pace.
Quebec Boating License Requirements
WHAT IS A PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATOR CARD?
A Quebec Boating License, also called a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or PCOC, is a federally mandated competency card required to operate any recreational motorized boat in Canada. Unlike your driver’s license, a boating license can not be suspended or revoked. The permanent card must be carried on board your boat at all times during operation. Photocopies of the card are not accepted. Once obtained your PCOC is good for life.
WHERE CAN I GET MY QUEBEC BOATING LICENSE?
Take the Official BOATsmart! Course online to obtain your Quebec boating license. Once you complete the course and take the final Transport Canada Boating Safety Test, you can print your temporary card immediately. Your permanent boating license will be issued by BOATsmart!, and is mailed to you within four weeks.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET A BOATING LICENSE IN QUEBEC?
There are no minimum age requirements to obtain your Quebec Boating License. Boaters of any age can complete the course and obtain their PCOC. However, there are age and horsepower restrictions that apply to boat operators who are less than 16 years of age.
For more information on engine horsepower and age restrictions, see below.
AGE AND HORSEPOWER RESTRICTIONS
No children under 12 years of age can operate a powerboat with a more than 10 horsepower engine.
Youths, aged 12 to 15 may only operate a boat with a motor up to 40 horsepower unsupervised.
Operators must be at least 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft, such as a Jet Ski or Sea Doo.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY BOATING LICENSE?
About 3 hours. You can complete the BOATsmart! Online boating safety course from your own home. Once you complete the course and pass the official test, print your temporary card right away. You’ll get your permanent card in the mail within about 4 weeks. Although boaters can complete an in-person classroom course and test, the online course is the fastest way to complete the process.
CAN I GET REFRESHER LESSONS AFTER TAKING THE BOATING COURSE?
BOATsmart! offers a free Knowledge Base that contains all of the information you need to keep up-to-date on the latest boating rules and regulations. Learn about boating safety equipment requirements, docking, PWC operation and tips to keep you safe and confident on the water. Quebec boaters can also obtain a printed BOATsmart! Study Guide to keep on board as a reference guide. The BOATsmart! Study Guide is available online and at Canadian Tire.
DO I NEED A LICENSE TO RENT A BOAT IN QUEBEC?
All boat operators in Quebec should obtain their Pleasure Craft Operator Card to ensure that they have all of the knowledge they need to boat safely. However, you are not required to obtain your boating license to rent a boat in Quebec. Boat operators may choose to complete a boat rental safety checklist to legally operate a rented boat. But keep in mind that a rental safety checklist won’t tell you how to rescue a person overboard, or what to do in the event of a collision.
Boating and alcohol in Quebec
QUEBEC BOATING AND ALCOHOL LAWS
In Quebec, there are fines and penalties for driving a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These are the same as those applicable to operating a motor vehicle under the influence.
While boaters in Quebec are permitted to carry open alcohol on boats while the boat is underway, it is important to remember that it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to the criminal code of Canada. Boat operators may consume alcohol if their BAC level is not more than the legal limit of 80mg.
Contact the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) for more information about Quebec’s laws for boating and alcohol.
QUEBEC BOATING AND ALCOHOL LAWS
There is NO difference between drunk driving & drunk boating. For this reason, boating and alcohol offences in Quebec are the same as those for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence.
A boat operator’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level cannot exceed 80 mg. This is the legal alcohol limit in Quebec.
Age & Horsepower Restrictions
12 YEARS OF AGE & UNDER
Can operate a boat without supervision so long as the engine is not more than 10 horsepower and they have proof of competency. Boaters 12 years of age and under are not allowed to operate a PWC under any conditions.
12-16 years of age
Can operate a boat without supervision as long as the engine is not more than 40 horsepower and they have proof of competency. They are not allowed to operate a PWC under any conditions.
16+ YEARS OF AGE
Can operate a boat or PWC without supervision or horsepower restrictions so long as they have proof of competency.
ALL OPERATORS
All boat operators in Quebec regardless of age are required to obtain and carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or face a $250 fine.
Quebec's Boating Fines
Failure to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card
$250
Operating a Personal Watercraft (PWC) under 16 years of age
$250
Violation of age and horsepower restrictions
Up to $500
Operating a vessel in an unsafe manner
$500
Insufficient number of Transport Canada Approved lifejackets or PFDs. Fine is applicable for EACH missing or improper lifejacket or PFD.
$200
General Boating Quebec FAQs
WHO ENFORCES QUEBEC’S BOATING LAWS?
Boating rules and regulations in Quebec are enforced by the Sûreté du Québec and other local police forces. Be sure to follow all boating safety rules and regulations at all times on the water
Boating Emergencies:
Call 911 for emergencies on the water, like a boating accident or drowning.
How To Get a Boat License in Quebec
DO I NEED A PLEASURE CRAFT LICENSE?
All motorized boats and PWCs in Quebec powered by 10 horsepower or more are required to have a Pleasure Craft License. The number must be displayed on both sides of the bow, above the waterline, as far forward as possible, in block letters at least 7.5cm high that contrast with the colour of the boat.
HOW DO I GET A PLEASURE CRAFT LICENSE?
You can obtain a 10 year license for free from Service Canada. There are two ways obtain the license:
Option 1: Apply for a free Pleasure Craft License online.
Option 2: Download a paper application form and mail the completed form to the Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre at the following address:
Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre
P.O. Box 2006
Fredericton, New Brunswick
E3B 5G4
REGISTERING YOUR BOAT
Registering your boat is different than obtaining a Pleasure Craft License for your boat. There are added benefits to registering your boat.
BUYING A NEW OR USED BOAT IN QUEBEC
Buying a boat in Quebec? Whether it’s a brand new boat from a dealership or a used vessel, you’re required to obtain a Pleasure Craft License. You are also required by law to ensure you carry on board all of the required boating safety equipment for the type and size of vessel.
A Pleasure Craft License or ‘boat license’ is a document and a set of I.D. numbers for your vessel. The document must be on board your boat at all times and the numbers must be displayed on the bow of your boat at all times.
Welcome To The Beautiful Province
Quebec Boating Destinations
As Canada’s largest province, it’s no surprise that Québec is home to countless waterways that are perfect for boating and paddle trips, like the St. Lawrence River, Charlevoix Québec, Ungava Bay, and James Bay. Got a few beach lovers on board? Cruise them to Grand Lac Saint-Francois or Lac-Aux-Sables to feel the warm summer breeze with sand between your toes!
Wherever you decide to go boating in Québec, you won’t be limited by boat launch locations, that’s for sure! Just check out all the available launch points here. Thinking about going fishing? You should be – the fishing is awesome in Québec! Just be sure to learn about how to get your Québec fishing license and get familiar with the rules and regulations in Québec’s 29 fishing zones before casting your line!
Helpful resources for boating in Quebec
Quebec's top boating destinations!