Boaters Proficiency Books & Testing
offered through Professional Association of Boating Instructors Ltd.
Requirements
You can obtain your
Canadian Coast Guard approved Boat Operator Card, by passing a Canadian Coast
Guard approved test. You can challenge the test, study an approved book and
write the test, or take an approved course and write the test. Of course you
will need to pass the test with a score of at least 75%. There are age
appropriate tests for those under 16.
The Professional Association of Boating Instructors has an approved book and the
approved tests, which are available at one of our many locations.
There is no grandfather arrangement, regardless of your age and previous boat
experience made for the Boat Operator Card.
Once you pass the test, you will receive a permanent Boat Operator Card that is
valid for your lifetime, and is good anywhere in Canada.
The following is a brief exerpt from PABI’s manual giving you the time frame of
when you will need to have your card. Remember that you can obtain your card
before the compulsory time frames, and the card does not expire.
PABI’s
Boat Operator Card Manual
In order to operate a
pleasure craft fitted with a motor – or any type of motorboat used for
recreational purposes – you will need proof of operator competency, or a "Boat
Operator Card." The Federal Government is currently working on phasing in this
requirement. The time frames are:
·
All operators
born after April 1, 1983 --------------Now,(came
in effect September 15, 1999)
·
All operators
whose craft are under 4m. (13.1 feet) in length, including personal
watercraft-----------------Now
(came in effect September 15, 2002)
· All operators ----------------------September 15, 2009
Although the Boat Operator
Card requirements are currently being phased in, certain restrictions concerning
age and horsepower became effective April 1st, 1999.
Under 12 years of age and not directly supervised** Can operate a vessel with no
more than 10hp.
Between 12 years of age and under 16 years of age, and not directly supervised**
Can operate a vessel with no more than 40hp.
16 years of age and over No power restrictions
** Directly supervised means accompanied and directly supervised by a person who
is 16 years of age or older. Persons under 16 years of age may operate a
motorboat outside their allowed limits if they have proof of operator competency
(their Boat Operator Card), and are accompanied and directly supervised.
The person providing this supervision must be 16 years of age or older, in the
boat at all times, and not engaged in other activities (such as keeping watch on
a water skier).
These restrictions also prohibit persons under the age of 16 from operating
personal watercraft (PWC), regardless of whether they are accompanied by an
adult or not.
Professional
Association of Boating Instructors Ltd.© 2005