The decision to buy a boat is a big one and shouldn’t be taken lightly. There’s a lot that goes into legally purchasing a watercraft, including those used for recreational purposes. If the idea of fishing, cruising and playing in the water with friends and family appeals to you, it’s a good idea to understand what you’re up against, including the differences between a pleasure craft licence form vs a pleasure craft operator card. This handy guide will tell you all the facts you need to know so that you can decide which one is best suited to your needs.
What is the Pleasure Craft Licence Form?
This is a document that contains a unique licence number that applies to your pleasure boat. It is not the same thing as a pleasure craft operator card, which will be discussed in more detail below. Any recreational vessel that is at least 10 horsepower (7.5kW) must have a valid pleasure craft licence. The licence is valid for 10 years but must be updated if your contact details change or anything pertaining to the boat needs to be updated. The application process requires filling out the paperwork, supplying a photo of the boat, and proving ownership. There is no fee to obtain a pleasure craft licence.
What is a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
The pleasure craft operator card is the actual document, or card, that you will need to keep on board your boat at all times. You can equate this to a driver’s licence that you use to operate your vehicle on land. It’s separate from the licence that you need to operate the boat itself, giving you specific permission to navigate the waters with your vessel. Unlike the application process that goes along with getting your pleasure craft licence, the operator card requires you to take a course and pass an exam before it is granted.
Pleasure Craft Licence Form vs Pleasure Craft Operator Card
In most cases, you will need both a pleasure craft licence and a pleasure craft operator card. The licence applies to the boat and makes it legal to take out on the water. The operator card proves that you are safely and legally allowed to drive the boat. Getting caught without either (or both) can result in fines and penalties. For example, failure to have proof of a pleasure craft licence can result in a fine of up to $250. Operating a boat without a pleasure craft operator card can also result in costly consequences. It’s best to have both updated and available at all times. You can take care of the documentation for both online, which speeds the process and makes it easier to get it done.
Determining the difference between a pleasure craft licence form versus a pleasure craft operator card can feel a bit overwhelming and you likely have questions that you need answered. That’s why you need to contact the Canadian Vessel Registry today. We are here to help you through the process and give you the answers you need along the way.
