All operators of powered boats in Canada now require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card – It’s the law. Unfortunately, if you’re one of the 8 million Canadians that didn’t get certified by the Sept 15th, 2009 deadline you now face a $250.00 fine.
The federally mandated deadline to obtain an Operator Card expired on September 15, 2009 - leaving millions of Canadians without the card - and without an excuse on the water. Many Canadians are now concerned with rumours that the exam is no longer available, or that boaters will now have to take a mandatory course in order to obtain the Card. Fortunately these are just rumours, and BOATsmart! Canada reminds boaters that only one thing has changed since the deadline passed - you can now be fined for not having the Card.
BOATsmart! Canada, an official Transport Canada Accredited provider, offers the exam both online and in-person at hundreds of test facilities across Canada. Boaters can take the official exam online 24/7 at
BoatSmartExam.com including free retries, study material and practice exams. The organization also offers a Home Study Manual (available at Marine
Retailers and Home Hardware Stores) and classroom courses for boaters who require additional preparation for the 36 question multiple choice exam. Those looking to complete the exam in- person can contact BOATsmart! Canada toll free 1-877-792-3926 or visit the website to find an exam location in their community.
Once obtained, the operator card is good for life - whether you took it before the deadline or after. BOATsmart! Canada mails the permanent Card within 2 weeks of completing the exam and boaters are able to print a temporary slip immediately when completing the exam online. Helping boaters get out on the water the same day they pass the exam.
Consequences of not having the Card are significant – namely a $250.00 fine – and enforcement agencies across the country are prepared to fine boaters caught without it. Police, RCMP and Conservation Officers recognize that Canadians have had fair warning to get certified, noting that the federal law has been phased in over a ten year period.
The law requiring the Card applies to ALL operators of powered
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vessels - regardless of age, size of boat or engine horsepower. If your boat is equipped with an engine – you need the card – no matter what. Boaters who have completed a recognized boating safety course or rental safety checklist may be exempt from requiring the card. Information regarding exemptions is available online at
BoatSmartExam.com.
Boaters in need of replacement cards can access BOATsmart! Canada’s national database by calling toll free 1-877-792-3926. Boat operators are cautioned that they must be able to provide the physical card when asked, or they will be fined.
With 8 million Canadians needing the card by the spring of 2010, BOATsmart! Canada is encouraging boaters to get the card now – and beat the rush. ◊
www.suncruiser.ca I 2010 SunCruiser OKANAGAN
Joe Boater 01/23/1965
8 000 001 09/09/15
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