[Flyfishin Magician]

I just passed the exam for the Pleasure Craft Operator Card . I hear that they are changing the exam for the spring of 2007 - is there any truth to this? If so, those who don't have their PCOC yet may want to do so soon! Has anyone ever been checked for their card?

 

[Mike D.]

Way to go man! was it hard? : and if there is any truth to what you stated I should hurry up and get mine like now! can one still do it over the net?

Mike <")))))><

 

[Steelie Trav]

Way to go man! was it hard? : and if there is any truth to what you stated I should hurry up and get mine like now! can one still do it over the net?

Mike <")))))><

It's not hard, and yes it is still available on the net. It also has the booklet and practice exam.

As far as 2007 goes I haven't heard about it. Last I heard it was by 2009 that all operators of pleasure craft of ANY size will require an operators card. Have I ever been asked for it...no.

 

[Steelie Trav]

Just looked it up on http://www.boaterexam.com

Q. Who needs the Pleasure Craft Operator Card and when?
A. All operators of powered watercraft used for recreational purposes within Canada will eventually require the card.The following three groups of boaters require the card IMMEDIATELY:

* All operators of any powered watercraft under 4m in length (13.1ft)
* All operators of PWC's (i.e.: sea-doos and jet skis)
* All operators of any powered watercraft born after April 1, 1983

As of September 15, 2009 all boaters will be required to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card in order to operate a powered watercraft. There is no grandfather clause or age exemption – this law applies to all boaters. Powered watercraft includes watercraft fitted with any size motor – even a trolling motor.

 

[woody]

this is a very easy course and can easily be done on the internet, most of it is pretty much common sense if you have spent any time on a boat at all. My nephew did it in about fifteen minutes.

 

[Flyfishin Magician]

I would describe the exam as pretty "straight forward". Many of the answers are "intuitive". However, read the material that is available either online or from Transport Canada (Safe Boating Guide) and you will very likely "ace" the test.

As far as 2007 goes I haven't heard about it. Last I heard it was by 2009 that all operators of pleasure craft of ANY size will require an operators card.

I heard that the exam format itself may change sometime in 2007 - although I cannot confirm that this is in fact true. You're correct that by 2009, all operators of pleasure craft will require a card.

On occasion, I may rent a small motor boat to take out onto a lake (e.g. Heffley Lake is large and requires a motor boat to get to the "hot spots"). The boat rental people will be asking for the card. In the past, I was able to go through a boat rental safety checklist with the guy running the resort. It's just nice to have the card now.

 

[kettlefisher]

You actually need it for electric motors too!!!!

KF

 

[marko]

It's not the size of the motor it's how much trouble the fair weather sailer gets into when
the going gets rough. typically the smaller crafts are less prepared for emergencies given
there size and frequency of usage. If anyone has opperated a watercraft for a reasonable
length of time ie. a few seasons, and has a keen outlook for the welfare and safty of others
then this card will be a breeze. Practice safe boating and keep you rod up!
.......Cheers....Marko... ;D

 

[kettlefisher]

Marko...agreed...I have spent many years on both the chuck and fresh water commercially as well as for pleasure................safety first friends

KF