Do you know that there are many kinds of boating licenses in Canada? It is essential to have a solid understanding of the many sorts of permits available in Canada and the activities that may be pursued with each one. This article will present an overview of the four primary categories of boating permits that may be obtained in Canada. In addition, we will go over some of the essential advantages of the various types of licenses. Are you considering heading out on the open sea with your boat this summer? Before doing so, you should educate yourself on the various boating licenses in Canada. Before you go out on the water, you must be sure you have all the necessary documentation since different types of permits come with different sets of laws and restrictions.
Pleasure Craft Operator Card
You will require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to operate a pleasure craft (PCOC). When operating any boat that is 7 meters or longer, you are required to have this card regardless of whether or not you have valid boating licenses in Canada, which is the national standard for boating licenses. With this card, you will be able to operate any powerboat that is up to 15 meters in length. If it does not fall into either of these categories (7 meters or 15 meters), you will be required to obtain a card with a smaller capacity for use on that particular boat. You must visit an official testing facility and take a test to get your PCOC. Before assigning you a test date, the examiner will check the information you provide on your application form against records kept by the government. You must submit an application form and proof of citizenship or permanent residency.
Small Vessel License
There are many similarities between the recreational and the small vessel license, but the latter requires an in-person interview with an officer to test your knowledge and understanding of the following: boat safety; navigation rules; charting of waterways; marine radio procedures; and marine weather forecasts. For a recreational boating license, you must also satisfy all criteria (eye test and written exam). The most difficult to get is a business license. This sort of license requires you to complete at least 200 hours of on-the-job training or college-level education in addition to completing all of the recreational and small vessel license criteria. Any boat you work on as a crew member or a captain may use your captain’s license. This sort of license requires you to be at least 16 years old and be able to answer questions regarding boat safety, handling, and power plant operation. Besides studying for and passing a test that covers these topics, you’ll also have 90 minutes to do it online via Transport Canada.
Power Vessel License as One of the Boating Licenses in Canada
With this license, you are authorized to operate motorized vessels that have a motor with a horsepower rating of 10 or higher. If you want to drive your boat, you must have this certification. Passengers are permitted, but to transport more than six individuals, you will need to acquire a vessel with a larger capacity. To qualify for this license, you need to be at least 12 years old; however, this rule has a few exemptions. Getting your license to operate a power vessel is a prerequisite for learning how to captain a sailboat or personal watercraft (PWC). If this is your intended career path, you will also require the appropriate certificate of competency if you want to pilot a commercial vessel for hires, such as a charter or tour bus. Lifesaving licenses include swimming pools and lakes and require CPR training, and fishing guide licenses are two others.
Master Mariner Certificate
This is the kind of boating license that receives the most incredible attention in Canada. It grants you the authority to serve in such capacity on any body of water in Canada. Before applying for this license, you need at least three years of experience working as a deckhand or one year of experience working as a mate. You may submit your application for it at a Coast Guard location that is local to you. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle regarding boating permits in Canada, particularly if you’re new to the country or from another nation and aren’t used to our system. Various licenses are available depending on the vessel and the number of passengers. Boating licenses in Canada are the minimum qualification needed for anybody who drives or operates a watercraft.
Contact the National Vessel Registry at +1 (800) 419-9569 for more. When considering an investment in your boating hobby, it’s important to know exactly what to expect. You may be thinking of a vessel that needs a specific license type to operate, and in Canada, there are different types of licenses required for different types of vessels.
