Unlike land traffic, sea fearing on pleasure crafts is loosely regulated in terms of licensing. In many countries no license is required at all. However, due to increased number of people on waterways, authorities began to introduce licenses for recreational boaters. Usually licensing involves examination of very basic knowledge of on water safety and some boat operation skills. The main goal is to educate people about common mistakes which are not so obvious to land creatures and to point to more resources available to operators. At most, boating licensing involves maneuvering a small boat near harbour dock and a written test. It does not deal with sailboat handling and many other aspects of seamanship such as navigation, sailing in tidal waters, anchoring, etc. However, having a boat operator licence is a LEGAL requirement when operating a vessel equipped with an engine.

Vega Sailing School offers the examination for the Canadian license at the end of every course if you elect to do so, and we strongly recommend it. Your knowledge at the end of both, basic and intermediate courses, will far exceed requirements for this exam. The Canadian license is accepted in many countries. You may be able to obtain your country license based on it, although you should check with local authorities. The exam takes about 45 minutes of your time. The license is valid for life.

Download Safe Boating Guide, a free Transport Canada publication here.

PCOC exam cost is CND$20 + GST with Daysail or Coastal Skipper course. Includes test processing and administration fee. If you just want your knowledge tested to get the card, contact us to arrange for written test. The cost is CND$40.00+GST.

Also available CYA PCOC Boating Manual for CND$10.

In Canada the license is called "Pleasure Craft Operator Card", and is considered proof of boating competency.

More information: Transport Canada, Office of Boating Safety
Don't be confused if you don't see Vega Sailing School on the list of providers, as this is not our primary activity. Most CYA instructors are authorized to evaluate boating competency and provide official examination.