Boating licence could save you a ticket

Photo by Shuswap News

The summer 2010 boating season is well underway across British Columbia, and indeed across the country, and the new Pleasure Craft Boating Card is now mandatory. After a 10-year federal law phase-in period, recreational boaters (and there are still 6 million who don’t have the card) had better be prepared to be asked by law enforcement officers to show their card this summer. If they can’t produce one, they will be eligible for fines of $250 or more.

This season marks the first year in which all boaters in Canada, regardless of age, need an Operator Card — commonly called a boating licence — and must carry it with them while operating a motorized craft. There is a commonly-held misconception that children under the age of 16 and seniors 65 years and older do not need a licence to operate a boat. Another is that you don’t require a card if your motor is less than 10 horsepower, such as on a motorized canoe. However everyone, regardless of age, must have a licence and every boat motor, no matter what the horsepower is, requires a licence to operate it.

In order to obtain a licence, boaters must pass a 36-question multiple-choice exam with a minimum 75% passing mark. A temporary card will be issued immediately after the exam is passed, with a permanent one which is good for life being mailed to the boater.

If you haven’t yet taken the exam, you may do so online at http://www.boaterexam.com . BoaterExam.com is a Transport Canada-accredited course and is recognized by the US Coast Guard. The cost is $49.95 and you can get a free study guide on the website to help you prepare. If you don’t pass the first time around you may try again as many times as it takes.

If you would prefer a classroom setting in which to get the boating basics there are some upcoming courses being offered across the province, although most are located nearer the coast. Kelowna and Penticton appear to be the most easterly locations in the province. Find the most convenient date and location for you at http://classroom.boaterexam.com/BC .

If you are already certified but have lost your card you can check with http://www.boaterexam.com or call 1-866-688-2628 to verify that your name is on file and obtain a replacement card before you operate a boat.