There is not much that compares to the feeling of total liberation with which one is filled when being out on the water. Water sports in Ontario, with its unlimited number of lakes and rivers, is pure luxury. It is a dream come true for anyone who likes to just go out and see where the water takes them or to catch some fish.
However, it is a must that your boat is correctly licensed before you go on a trip. A pleasure craft license is more than just a legal necessity as it is also a great peace of mind that you are competent in operating a vessel safely.
Once you have the privileges provided by a proper licence, you can have all the fun you like without fear or doubt. First of all, one should be fully aware of the steps of acquiring it and of the whole boating trip.
Do You Need a Pleasure Craft License?
Knowledge of what preparations are to be undertaken before stepping into the boat is one of the great lessons of any seasoned boater. You have not only brought along your fishing equipment and checked the safety supplies but also ensured that your life jackets are in good condition – have you perhaps forgotten your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), commonly known as your boating license?
In Canada, everyone is required to have a PCOC if they are to operate a motorized vessel. This rule applies regardless of the operator’s age and boating expertise. Moreover, this condition is just part of a more extended safety campaign by Transport Canada that is designed to ensure that all boaters have met the basic water competencies.
Meeting the Licensing Requirements
It is easier than you may think to get your PCOC. The first step would be to take a Transport Canada-sanctioned safe boating course. The aim of these courses is to teach the participants the basics of boating, including all aspects of navigation, safety, and emergency preparedness.
When you have successfully finished the course, you will sit the official exam. Only passing the exam, you will be issued a temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card that can be printed immediately and used while boating. The permanent card will be sent to you in two to three weeks.
The Consequences of Boating Without a License
Oftentimes, the legal consequences of boating without a license are somewhat similar to those of driving a car. If in Ontario you get caught without your PCOC, you will be fined $305. Therefore, just like you always do when driving, it is a good idea to take your card with you whenever you are on the water.
Need Help with Vessel Documentation?
Obtaining a boating license is an important event in your paperwork journey, but it is usually just the starting point. Many boaters prefer to register their vessels with Transport Canada as an additional step.
The registration has a number of benefits. It will allow you to display the Canadian flag in international waters and will enable you to look for a marine loan. In case your boat is lost at sea due to a storm or any other unexpected situation, registration can also help a lot in rescue operations, as it can provide easy identification.
Due to these advantages, a large number of Canadian boaters find that registering their vessels is definitely worth it. At the National Vessel Registry Center, we make it easy for the client. With the help of our online portal, which is very secure, and the process, which is a bit more straightforward, you will be able to handle not only your registration but also any other document with ease and confidence. Enjoy our material to find out more about how we could be helping you in meeting the laws and protecting your vessel.