New Pleasure Craft Operating Certificate A Must Sept. 15th

Wednesday, September 09, 2009 03:47 AM

Prince George, B.C.- Time is running out. Effective September 15^th, everyone operating a power driven water vessel, must have a PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operating Certificate) card.

The card is a proof of competency in operating the vessel.

You can take a one day course then write the exam but you must have 75% in order to pass.

The regulations were brought in following a number of fatal incidents on lakes across the country and while there has been a 10 year period of grace, that all comes to an end on the 15^th.

Gary Shannon of the Prince George Power Squadron says the new rules mean:

The following three groups of boaters require the card IMMEDIATELY:

All operators of any powered watercraft under 4m in length (13.1ft)
All operators of PWC's (i.e.: sea-doos and jet skis)
All operators of any powered watercraft who were born after April 1, 1983

There is no grandfather clause or age exemption – this law applies to all boaters. Powered watercraft includes watercraft fitted with any size motor — even an electric trolling motor.

Without the card, you cannot operate PWC’s or powered boats under 4m (13.1 ft). This law applies not only to the boats you own, but also to any boats you operate (such as a friend’s or neighbour’s boat).
You may be eligible for a reduction in marine insurance if you have your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Verify with your insurance company
The Card is good for life.
The Card is recognized across Canada.

You are required to have your PCOC on you when operating a boat.

Not having the PCOC with you or proof of competency on board = $250 fine (not including administrative charges).

Here are some of the other charges and their associated fines:

Allowing someone under age to operate a boat = $250
Operating a boat if you are under age = $100
Operating a boat without a working muffle in good condition = $100
Towing someone without a spotter = $100

Even if you have a sailboat, the new regulations apply if you have an auxiliary engine fitted to your sailboat.

The PCOC is not required to operate a commercial craft, however, many commercial establishments (such as marinas, and fishing & hunting lodges) ask their staff to obtain their Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

There are some horsepower restrictions:

Age	Power Restrictions
Under 12 years of age, and not directly supervised	Can operate vessels with under 10 hp
Between 12 years and under 16 years of age, and not directly supervised	Can operate vessels with under 40 hp
Under 16 years of age	Not allowed to operate a PWC
16 years of age and over	No power restrictions

The laws governing the Pleasure Craft Operator Card are a federal requirement, and apply in all provinces.

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Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 03:47 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: acrider54 on September 9 2009 5:39 AM

Another license, more fees, more cops, more fines, jeese

Posted by: metalman on September 9 2009 8:04 AM

This is overdue. It is a good thing, and they did give us all ten years to get ready. The fee is nominal, if you can afford a boat, insurance, gas, and a vechicle to transport the boat to the water, you can afford the cost of the pcoc.
After all, it is, for now, a one time thing. Who knows, lives may be spared by educating people who operate motor boats.
metalman.

Posted by: Loki on September 9 2009 8:07 AM

A license to operate an electric motor on a boat less than 4 m?

Government Cash grab, again!

Posted by: seamutt on September 9 2009 8:12 AM

Come on Loki haven't you seen all those boats with electric trolling motors just tearing up the lakes. There has to be some control.

Posted by: MrPG on September 9 2009 8:29 AM

Sadly, if people just employed a little respect out there on the water this wouldn't be necessary. As usual, a few braindead yahoos ruin it for everyone else.

Posted by: Loki on September 9 2009 8:30 AM

I already got the pleasure craft operating certificate when it was initially brought in a few years ago.

Is it still valid or do I have to jump some more hoops to participate in water sports?

Is it essentially the same thing only now applying to a ridiculously small craft or 10 KW/h electric?

Posted by: Harbinger on September 9 2009 8:36 AM

I will just paint my duck punt with camouflage and they will never find me.

Posted by: Clean on September 9 2009 8:45 AM

where do you go to get your licence?

Posted by: Clean on September 9 2009 8:55 AM

where do you go to get your licence?

Posted by: MrPG on September 9 2009 9:05 AM

www.boaterexam.com

www.boaterexam.com

Posted by: metalman on September 9 2009 12:22 PM

Seamutt, that was hilarious!
I, who would normally rail against any sort of interference, especially from government, happen to believe that this legislation is a good thing. As mr.pg stated, there are a few dopes out there who refuse to gain common sense, get into trouble, and bring the rest of us down with them, so to speak. It does seem a little ridiculous to have to hold a ticket to run an electric troller, but this way it forces everyone operating a power boat to learn or review a few basic rules that could well save lives or prevent accidents.
metalman.

Posted by: My3Centsworth on September 9 2009 4:03 PM

I find it quite amusing though that if you rent a boat, you don't need the licence.

When this all first started a few years back, I was told that the Coast Guard would be stopping and checking operators for cards. I still haven't spotted any of their ships up here in the north though.

Posted by: supertech on September 9 2009 11:18 PM

Does someone on this site think a license is going to make people show respect out there on the water?? Duh? This license will do nothing at all except add another piece of paper or plastic to our wallet and remove some money from it. It's another 'legislate us into submission act'.

Posted by: Loki on September 10 2009 12:01 PM

It will have the same result as anyone having a license to drive a car. It may influence some to modify their boating behavior, but for the most part it will be just like the roads.