Who Needs The Pleasure Craft Operator (PCO) Card?

The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations require all Canadian operators of pleasure craft fitted with any type of motor and used for recreational purposes to carry proof of competency on board.

Proof of competency is not required in the waters of Nunavut and Northwest Territories at this time.

The most common form of proof of competency is a Pleasure Craft Operator (PCO) card obtained after passing an accredited boating safety test.

The PCO card does not expire and cannot be revoked or suspended.

Boat operators caught without proof of competency on board are subject to fines.

Age & Horsepower Restrictions:

How to get a PCO Card

Federal regulations require all operators of motorized boats and personal watercraft to carry proof of competency such as a Pleasure Craft Operator (PCO) card in accordance with the standards and guidelines established by Transport Canada.

The Boating Safety Test:

• Consists of 50 questions
• Is designed to be suitable for any age group
• Multiple-choice with a pass mark of 38/50 or 75%

Several Options are Available

The Society has several options for anyone interested in obtaining their Pleasure Craft Operators card through us.

Option 1 -- Write the Test

If you are an experienced boater, or have formal training as a boat operator, this may be the option for you. Simply call any Lifesaving Society BOAT Test Center and arrange to write the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test. Check our list of Lifesaving Society BOAT Test Centers below to find the one closest to you.

Option 2 -- Study at Home

Read the BOAT Study Guide, brush up on your boating knowledge, then drop in to your local BOAT Test Center and write the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test.

The BOAT Study Guide is available from all our BOAT Test Centers or can be ordered directly from the Lifesaving Society by visiting THE SHOP.

Option 3 -- Boat Operator Accredited Training (BOAT) Course

Many of our BOAT Test Centers will offer the 4 hour BOAT course which will teach the basics in safe boating. Course providers include the option to write the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test to obtain your PCO card immediately following the 4 hour BOAT course.

PCO Card Replacement

Cards issued by the Lifesaving Society

The Lifesaving Society maintains a database of all individuals who have obtained a Pleasure Craft Operator Card from the Society. Individuals can request a replacement card and will charged an administrative replacement fee. Contact the Lifesaving Society at 780-415-1755 or experts@lifesaving.org.

Cards issued by other Organizations

Transport Canada has authorized the Lifesaving Society to issue replacement Pleasure Craft Operator (PCO) Cards to individuals who obtained their PCO card from another organization.

Individuals must demonstrate to the Lifesaving Society that they had previously had a PCO card. This can be done in three ways:

1. Provide a photocopy of the original PCO card;
2. Provide a copy of the letter that accompanied the PCO card when it was originally issued (must feature the card number, candidate name, address and date of birth); or
3. Provide a verification letter issued by Transport Canada.

Individuals who require a replacement PCO card from an organization that is no longer in business or that has been suspended will need to contact Transport Canada.

Contacting Transport Canada

Transport Canada can issue a verification letter (valid for 60 days). 

Contact information: pcoc-ccep@tc.gc.ca or 1-800-267-6687

BOAT Study Guide

There are about 10 million "boaters" in Canada. Over 40% of all Canadians 16 years of age and over get into a boat annually. But not all consider themselves boaters. The vast majority use boats to go fishing or camping, to water-ski, or as transportation.

Every time you go out on the water, there is a risk that you are in for more adventure than you expect. And the outcome may well depend on how prepared you are.

The Boat Study Guide contains everything you need to know to pass the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test for a Pleasure Craft Operator (PCO) Card.

The Boat Study Guide is available on-line through THE SHOP.

BOAT Test Centers

Lifesaving Society BOAT Test Centers are authorized to offer the BOAT Course, sell the BOAT Study Guide, and administer the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test (for the PCO card). Contact the BOAT Test Center nearest to you to explore any of these options.

Current BOAT Test Center Listings, updated December 6, 2018.