Canada has made it easier for US boat operators to qualify under its boater proof of education requirement. The Canadian Coast Guard “Pleasure Craft Operator Card” Regulation is in the process of being changed. The change announced from Ottawa is that it will no longer require a PCOC card for non-resident boat operators who have proof of an approved boating safety education course. Canada will now recognize boating education certificates issued for completion of Coast Guard, US Power Squadron or other boating safety courses that have been approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). The proof of education must be on board the operated boat. The requirement applies to all recreational motor boats, no matter how small the motor. All operators born after April 1,1983 and operators of craft under 4 m in length, including per-sonal watercraft must now meet the education requirement. All other operators have until September 15, 2009 to qualify. Proof of age must be exhibited to qualify for the 2009 date. A different type of qualification applies to persons operating rented boats.

There is an exemption for non-resident boaters “whose pleasure craft is in Canada less than 45 consecutive days.” [par. 3 (2)(b)of the Reg]. This exemption does not cover persons operating other people’s boats. Proof of residency must be exhibited in order to come within the exemption. Canada is considering the elimination of this 44 day exemption. Oregon has a similar education requirement, but the non-resident exemption is for 60 days.

If you wish to get a “Pleasure Craft Operator Card” it can be obtained by taking a one day Canadian Power and Sail Squadron Course and test or by taking the test without the course. The card is not a license so it does not expire. There are also age and horsepower restrictions in Canada. A person under 12 may operate a motor boat up to and including 10hp. A person between 12 and 16 may operate a motor boat up to and including 40hp. These age restrictions don’t apply to persons directly supervised by a person 16 or older. A VHF station license is not required in Canada, but a “Radiotelephone Operator Permit” is required.

More information on the Canadian PCOC regulation and other rules for boaters can be found on the page Requirements for Foreign Recreational Boaters In Canadian Waters on the Transport Canada Web site.