No, you do not need to have a Canadian boating license, also known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, to rent a boat or jet ski in Canada. Transport Canada allows you to powered pleasure craft in Canada without a boating license if:
- You completed and co-signed a Rental Boat Safety Checklist with the rental boat company
- You understand the instructions provided by the rental boat company
Table of Contents
Why do you not need a boating license to rent a boat in Canada?
Transport Canada requires that you have Proof of Competency to operate any power-driven vessel in Canada.
According to Transport Canada, Proof of Competency can be any of the following:
- A completed and signed Rental Boat Safety Checklist;
- A boating license, also known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC);
- A certificate that states you have successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999; or
- A specified marine certificate or equivalency recognized by Transport Canada.
What is a Rental Boat Safety Checklist?
A Rental Boat Safety Checklist is a checklist rental companies use to ensure they cover all safety information with clients before their rental begins.
It is a requirement in Canada for anyone operating a boat with a motor to have proof of competency while on the water. Your rental boat safety checklist, once completed, is considered proof of competency.
The checklist includes information on safety equipment, rules of the road, local hazards and what to do in an emergency.
The renter must check all boxes on the checklist and the checklist must be signed by both the renter and a representative of the rental company.
Below is a sample Transport Canada “Rental Boat Safety Checklist” :
What is the fine for not having Proof of Competency on board a rental boat in Canada?
Under the Contraventions Act, if you are caught operating a powered watercraft without a boating license (PCOC), Rental Boat Safety Checklist or other proof of competency in Canada, you could face a minimum fine of $250.
Remember that boating without proof of competency is not only illegal, but it’s also dangerous.
What do you need to rent a boat in Canada?
Before you can rent a boat in Canada, you must meet certain requirements.
These requirements include:
- Age: Boat operators that are 16 years of age or older can operate any pleasure craft regardless of its horsepower. Click here for further age restriction information.
- Proof of Competency: You must have either a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, Completed Rental Boat Safety Checklist or Marine Certificate.
- Safety Equipment: The rental company must have a minimum amount of safety equipment on the boat such as:
- 1x Lifejacket or PFD – for each person on board
- 1x Reboarding device, if the freeboard distance exceeds 0.5 meters
- 1x Buoyant heaving line of at least 15 meters (49’3” feet)
- 1x Watertight flashlight or 3x type A, B, or C flares [not required if the boat does not have a motor
- 1x Manual propelling device or 1x anchor with at least 15 meters of rope, cable, or chain
- 1x Bailer or 1x manual bilge pump
- 1x Sound signalling device
- Navigation lights [not required if operated in daylight and good visibility]
- 1x Magnetic compass [not required within sight of navigation marks
- 1x Radar reflector [not required under most day and near-shore use
- 1x Fire extinguisher – class 5BC [if equipped with an inboard engine, fixed fuel tank, fuel-burning stove, fridge or heater
Can you drive your own boat without a license in Canada?
No, you can not drive your own boat without a boating license (PCOC) in Canada. It is illegal to operate a powered watercraft in Canada without a boating license or other Proof of Competency.
A Rental Boat Safety Checklist can only be used on a rental boat and is not recognized as proof of competency on a privately owned boat.
What size boat motor can you drive without a boating license in Canada?
It is legal to operate a motorized boat in Canada without a boating license (PCOC) or other proof of competency, regardless of the boats motor size or power. This includes all electrical trolling motors regardless of their power rating.
Why should I get a boating license if renting a boat in Canada?
Obtaining a temporary or permanent boating license provides many benefits, even if you’re only renting a boat in Canada.
Some of these benefits include:
- Increased safety awareness: the online boating license course teaches you how to operate a boat safely and how to respond to emergency situations.
- In-Depth knowledge of boating regulations: the online boating license course also teaches you about boating regulations and laws, such as speed limits, right of way, and alcohol consumption.
- Ability to operate a wider variety of boats: Having a boating license (PCOC) allows you to operate a wider variety of boats, which can be useful if you plan on renting larger types of boats in the future.
- Faster Rental Check-In: Many rental companies have faster check-in processes for renters who already have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
- Never Expires: The Pleasure Craft Operator Card never expires and is valid throughout Canada and is recognized in the United States.
Do you need a boating license to rent a jet ski in Canada?
No, you do not need to have a boating license (PCOC) to rent a jet ski in Canada.
You can rent a jet ski or Sea-Doo in Canada if you have any of the following:
- A completed and signed Rental Safety Checklist;
- A boating license, also known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC);
- A certificate that states you have successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999; or
- A specified marine certificate or equivalency recognized by Transport Canada.
Be Safe, Get Certified.
It is illegal to operate a motorized boat in Canada without a boating license (or other proof of competency), and the fines for doing so can be significant. Additionally, obtaining a boating license is a good way to ensure that you operate your boat safely and responsibly.
By completing a boating safety course and obtaining your boating license, you can gain the knowledge and skills required to operate a boat safely, protect yourself and others, and avoid costly fines. If you want to test your knowledge – why not try out the free boating license practice test.
With the convenience and affordability of MyBoatCard.com’s online course, there is no reason not to get your boating license today.
Join the over 2 million certified Canadians, and get your Canadian boating license today!
