Who needs a card?
All persons (regardless of age or experience) operating a power driven pleasure craft must have a Pleasure Craft Operators Card.* This applies to any craft fitted with an motor regardless of whether the motor is in use.
*There are exceptions for non-residents and those renting vessels. If you are a non-resident operating a boat and are in the country less than 44 consecutive days you do not need a licence. For rental parameters see below.
How can I obtain a card?
Buckeye is an approved course provider through the Canadian Yachting Association. We offer classroom style courses as well as offering the "challenge" option where in students would simply make an appointment to come into the dealership and challenge the exam at their leisure. We offer the course through Canadian Yachting as they have approved test specifically geared towards kids 8-12 , teens13-15 and adults 16+. We do not offer courses online at this time but strongly recommend that if you choose this method you make sure that the provider your find is accredited by Transport Canada.
What do I do if my card is lost or stolen or if I have a change of name or address?
In the case that a card needs to be replaced or changed for some reason you have to go back to the party who issued your card. Most of these providers have websites and have parameters online for card replacement. Failing that you can call the provider directly. Most often you will be required to fill out a form and send a fee to that provider before a new card will be issued.
If you took a class at Buckeye your provider would be as follows:
2006 to present - Canadian Yachting Association (you can call Buckeye and we can send you the form)
Prior to 2006 we outsourced this service to different providers (see below) you will have to contact them directly.
2005 - BoatSmart Canada
1999-2004 - Canadian Power & Sail Squadron
How long is the test and should I study?
All accredited exams are 36 multiple choice questions. We do recommend that you study in advance specifically if you are opting to challenge the exam. If you are taking one of our courses we will teach you the information that you need to know to pass the exam however we still recommend you study the manual in its entirety before you come.
What age does my child need to be in order to operate a boat by herself?
The rules as they apply to child operators are as follows according to Transport Canada:
- Children under the age of 12 and not directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older can operate a recreational vessel with no more than 10 hp (7.5 KW).
- Youth between 12 years of age and under 16 years of age and not directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older can operate a recreational vessel with no more than 40 hp (30 KW).
- Only persons 16 years of age or older can operate a personal watercraft (PWC) regardless of supervision.
No. When renting a boat however you will be required to complete a rental check list in order to full under this ruling. This check sheet will go through pertinent safety information and give you an understanding of safe operation. This is a standard form that is approved by Transport Canada and can be found on their website and should also be available at the facility from which you are renting the vessel.
Well, that is the Cole's notes version. If you have any specific questions that weren't answered here please feel free to contact us or check out the Transport Canada website http://www.boatingsafety.gc.ca/
Safe travels!
