Canada. Transport Canada

Site: Sarnia

Service: Office of Boating Safety - Pleasure Craft Operator Card

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Record #: BAR4030
Last Modified: 18 Sep 2025
Last Full Update: 21 May 2024

Description

Description (Service) Operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes are required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, (PCOC), as proof of competency on board at all times
  • Testing and Courses
    • to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card it is necessary to pass an accredited test
    • Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard do not teach boating safety courses or offer testing, private companies administer all courses and tests and issue all cards
    • Boating Safety courses cover a full range of basic boating information such as minimum safety equipment requirements required on board your boat, Canadian Buoy system, how to share waterways, a review of all pertinent regulations and how to respond in an emergency situation
    • courses can be taken in class, by correspondence, on the Internet, or a training manual can be purchased, from an accredited training organization or downloaded from the website of an accredited training organization, to be studied independently before taking the test
    • see List of Accredited Course Providers
    • see Safe Boating Guide from Transport Canada

Service Details

Public Comments Although it is commonly referred to as a boating licence, the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is actually a Competency Card
  • by successfully passing the test and obtaining an Operator Card individuals have proven their competency as a safe boat operator
  • Canadian law does not require recreational boaters to obtain a boating licence, the only legal requirement for boaters is to carry proof of competency (i.e. Pleasure Craft Operator Card) on board at all times
  • For full information about the Pleasure Craft Licensing System see Pleasure Craft Licensing System
Hours Hours vary
Areas Served Canada
Eligibility Any person operating a pleasure craft fitted with a motor
Application Call Boating Safety Office or visit Pleasure Craft Operator Cards for more information
Languages English; French - Reception
Fees Program - call organization offering course or testing for information on fees

Address and Location

Located In Community Sarnia
Address & Map
Office of Boating Safety, Transport Canada
100 Front St S
Sarnia, ON
Canada N7T 2M4
Intersection Front St S and Davis St
Physical Access Fully Accessible

Contact Information

Office Phone 1-877-281-8824, Toll Free, Office of Boating Safety (Ontario Region)
E-Mail obs-ontario-bsn@tc.gc.ca
Website tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/office-boating-safety
Mailing Address Office of Boating Safety, Transport Canada 
100 Front St S 
Sarnia, ON 
Canada N7T 2M4

Agency Overview

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Canada. Transport Canada
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