Who needs a pleasure craft operators card?
All operators of powered watercraft used for recreational purposes within Canada will eventually require the card. The following three groups of boaters require the care IMMEDIATELY:
- All operators of any powered watercraft under 4m length (13.1ft)
- All operators of PWC's (i.e. : sea-doos and jet skis)
- All operators of any watercraft born afer April 1, 1983
As of September 15, 2009 all boaters will be required to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card in order to operate a powered watercraft. There is no grandfather clause or age exemption - this law applies to all boaters. Powered watercraft includes watercraft fitted with any size motor - even a trolling motor.
What are the restrictions for children?
|
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 |
Are there any fines or penalties for not having your card?
Fines for common boating offences*:
- Operating a vessel in a careless manner - $250
- Speeding - $100
- Underage operation of a personal watercraft - $100
- Operating a power-driven pleasure craft without the required Pleasure Craft Operator Card - $250
- Insufficient number of approved, appropriately sized flotation devices - $200 for each absent device
* Source: Transport Canada
Contact us for more information:
Phone: 705-551-0274
Email: info@outdoorsafetytraining.com
|
