Do I Need a Boating License in Saskatchewan?
You must get your Saskatchewan Boating License (also called a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or PCOC) to drive a motorized boat in Saskatchewan. Your Saskatchewan Boating License covers you to go boating anywhere in Canada where motorized boating is permitted. Boaters caught operating a boat on Saskatchewan’s waterways without a Boating License will receive a fine up to $10,000.
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Saskatchewan Boating License Requirements
WHAT IS A PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATOR CARD?
A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), more commonly known by Saskatchewan’s boating community as a boating license, is a federally mandated boating competency card. You must get your BOATsmart! Pleasure Craft Operator Card (also called a Boat License) to drive a motorized boat in Saskatchewan. You can use your Saskatchewan Boat License to drive a recreational motorized boat anywhere in Canada. The card must be carried on board during operation. Photocopies are not accepted.
WHERE CAN I GET MY SASKATCHEWAN BOATING LICENSE?
To legally obtain a PCOC you must take the Transport Canada Approved BOATsmart! Course and pass the Boating Safety Test. You can take the test online from your own home, and print your temporary PCOC right away once you pass the test. our Official BOATsmart! Card will arrive in the mail within 4 weeks at no charge.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET A BOATING LICENSE IN SASKATCHEWAN?
There is no minimum age to obtain your boating license in Saskatchewan. Boaters of all ages, including those less than 16 years of age, are required by law to obtain and carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card while boating. In addition, certain Age and Horsepower Restrictions apply to boaters 16 years of age and under. 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?
The online boating safety course is standardized to a minimum of 3 hours. Once boaters complete the online course and pass the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test, they can print an official boating license. BOATsmart! then mails the permanent card Operator Card within four weeks. Boat Operators in Saskatchewan may also choose to complete an in-person classroom course and test however, the online course is the fastest way to complete the process.
CAN I GET REFRESHER LESSONS AFTER TAKING THE BOATING COURSE?
It’s important to keep up-to-date on boating laws and regulations in Saskatchewan, including boating safety equipment requirements, boat licensing requirements, and collision regulations. BOATsmart! has got you covered, with a free BOATsmart! Knowledge Base that includes everything you need to know about boating safety in Saskatchewan. Boaters in Saskatchewan can also purchase the printed BOATsmart! Study Guide. Keep a copy at the cabin, or on your boat to reference the latest regulations. The BOATsmart! Study Guide is available online and at Canadian Tire.
DO I NEED A LICENSE TO RENT A BOAT IN SASKATCHEWAN?
No. Boat operators in Saskatchewan may choose to complete a boat rental safety checklist in order to operate a rental boat in the province. However it is recommended that all boat operators obtain their Boating License to ensure that they are up-to-date with the knowledge they need to boat safely.
Boating and alcohol in Saskatchewan
SASKATCHEWAN BOATING AND ALCOHOL LAWS
Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Saskatchewan. Additionally, boat operators may not transport open alcohol on any boat. Alcohol may only be consumed on boats that are equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters and when the boat is at anchor. Fines and penalties for operators who are convicted of drinking and boating are the same as those for operating a motorized vehicle. Saskatchewan’s boating and alcohol regulations are enforced by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). For more information on boating and alcohol regulations in Saskatchewan, contact the RCMP.SASKATCHEWAN’S BOATING AND ALCOHOL LAWS
Boating and Alcohol offences in Saskatchewan are the same as those for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. There is NO difference between drunk driving & drunk boating. A boat operator’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level cannot exceed 80 mg. This is the legal alcohol limit in Saskatchewan.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 Saskatchewan regardless of age are required to obtain and carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or face a fine up to $10,000.
Saskatchewan's Boating Fines
Failure to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card
Up to $10,000
Operating a Personal Watercraft (PWC) under 16 years of age
Up to $10,000
Violation of age and horsepower restrictions
Up to $10,000
Operating a vessel in an unsafe manner
Up to $10,000
Insufficient number of Transport Canada Approved lifejackets or PFDs. Fine is applicable for EACH missing or improper lifejacket or PFD.
Up to $10,000
General Boating Saskatchewan FAQs
WHO ENFORCES SASKATCHEWAN’S BOATING LAWS?
Both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and local municipal police detachments patrol Saskatchewan’s waterways. Boating Emergencies: Call 911 for emergencies on the water, like a boating accident or drowning.CAN I USE MY SASKATCHEWAN BOATING LICENSE TO OPERATE IN OTHER PROVINCES?
Yes. The Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card can be used to operate your boat in any Canadian Waterways. Additionally, you can use the PCOC to operate your boat in most States.How To Get a Boat License in Saskatchewan
DO I NEED A PLEASURE CRAFT LICENSE?
All motorized boats and PWCs in Saskatchewan 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 5G4REGISTERING 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 SASKATCHEWAN
Buying a boat in Saskatchewan? 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.DO I NEED BOAT INSURANCE IN SASKATCHEWAN?
No, boat owners are not required to have boat insurance in Saskatchewan. However, there are benefits to insuring your boat including 3rd party liability, replacement and accidental damage coverage. Boaters who obtain their license with BOATsmart! automatically qualify to save on boating insurance.
Welcome To The Land of the Living Skies
Saskatchewan Boating Destinations
Over 12% of Saskatchewan is covered by lakes and rivers. Seriously – that’s a whole lot of boating. Spend the day on the crystal blue waters of Barrier Lake, located at the base of Mount Baldy, or plan a weekend trip to Meadow Lake Provincial Park to explore one of it’s 25 lakes. Both spots offer easy boating access, so getting out for a day on the water is a breeze. For more information on Saskatchewan’s boating access areas, check out Discover Boating’s marina finder. Just remember to get your Saskatchewan Boat License before launching your boat!
If you’re in search of a more peaceful time on the water, La Ronge Provincial Park is the perfect spot to paddle out for the day. You’ll find over 100 lakes and 1300 islands to explore. If reeling in a trophy pike is more your style, hit up Athabaska Lake – just be sure to check out Saskatchewan’s current Anglers Guide for the recent fishing regulations for your area and be sure to pick up your Saskatchewan fishing license.
Helpful resources for boating in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's top boating destinations!
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