All Operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes require a PCOC or other proof of compentency.

Proof of competency can take any of several forms:

• 1. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card;
• 2. Proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999; or,
• 3. A completed rental-boat safety checklist; or,
• 4. Any one of several Commercial certifications (see the Office of Boating Safety website for details)

The PCOC or other relevant documentation (or copy thereof) must be carried on-board while operating a vessel. These requirements do not apply in the Northwest and Nunavut Territories at this time.

Further information on PCOC requirements can be found on the Transport Canada "Office of Boating Safety" website

Canadian Power and Sail Squadron's Boat Pro mini-course provides you with the basics of legal and safe boating practices to standards prescribed by the Canadian Coast Guard. This 8-hour overview for operators and crews of small vessels covers a wide range of subjects including types and characteristics of boats, mandatory and suggested on-board safety equipment, emergency equipment and procedures, marine rules of the road, Canadian aids to navigation , boat maintenance and weather tips. These and more subjects are presented humorously yet seriously in the Boat Pro booklet included with the course.

After you pass the Boat Pro exam you will receive a CCG Pleasure Craft Operator Card as permanent proof of boating competency and you will be eligible to become a CPS Associate member.

Vancouver Squadron does not have any classes scheduled, but will sell manuals for self-study, and will conduct exams on request during our normal teaching term: September thru April.

Boat Pro Home Study Option

The Boat Pro course manual is very well set up for home study by new boaters and seasoned sailors who need to update their knowledge of Government regulations and boating safety requirements. All the above subjects are presented clearly with lots of illustrations and are followed up with questions similar to those on the P.C.O.C. exam. As an alternative to the BoatPro manual, you can also obtain a copy of the "Safe Boating Guide" available at no charge from Canada Coast Guard, various Marine Supply stores and some Fuel docks.

You may arrange to purchase the Boat Pro manual or arrange a P.C.O.C. exam time by calling Vancouver Power Squadron at 604-816-8576.

Experienced boaters may write the exam without first obtaining the manual, if they wish.

The course manual costs $20, and there is a $45 fee for the Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam.

Burnaby Squadron may offer one-day BoatPro courses - see their website for further details. Capilano Squadron also offers the Boat Pro course.