JET SKI License
Official Pleasure Craft Operator Card
Do you need a license to drive a Jet Ski in Canada?
Yes, in Canada you are required to have a license, also known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (or other proof of competency) to operate a privately owned Jet Ski (PWC), regardless of the jet ski size or power. This includes all electrical personal watercraft (PWC), regardless of their power rating.
This requirement is set out in Section 4 of the Transport Canada – Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulation (COPCRs). This requirement does not apply to jet ski operators in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Proof of competency can be any of the following:
- A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), that you received after passing a boating safety course approved by Transport Canada;
- A certificate that states you have completed a boating safety course in Canada before April 1, 1999;
- A completed and signed jet ski rental safety checklist (applicable only for the rental period); or
- A specified marine certificate or equivalency recognized by Transport Canada.
If you have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card as proof of your competency, you must carry the original card while operating a Sea-Doo in Canada. Copies (other than a copy of your temporary PCOC) or electronic versions of the card will not be accepted as valid proof of competency.
Table of Contents
How do I get a jet ski license in Canada?
3 Easy Steps to obtain a license (PCOC) to operate a jet ski in Canada :
- Study MyBoatCard.com’s easy-to-follow online Operator Card course. You can study at your own pace – your progress is tracked as you log in and out.
- Take the Official Transport Canada operator card exam online. No need to worry – the exam is open book and our course includes everything you need to know to pass. Exam retries are free and unlimited.
- Print a temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) at home and go jet skiing straight away. Your permanent PCOC will be mailed to you within 48 hours!
How much does it cost to get a jet ski license in Canada?
It costs $39 CAD to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to operate a jet ski in Canada.
This fee includes everything needed to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC):
- Online Operator Card Course – log in and out and your progress is tracked.
- Online Transport Canada exam – free and unlimited retries.
- Temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card
- Permanent Pleasure Craft Operator Card mailed out to you. Shipping is free.
The fee is a one-time fee. There are no renewals. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card never expires and is good for life.
What age do I need to be to get a jet ski license in Canada?
There is no minimum age for obtaining a license, also known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, to operate a jet ski in Canada.
As long as you are old enough to understand the online safety course material and pass the online exam, you are old enough to obtain a license (PCOC) to operate a jet ski in Canada.
Please note, although there is no minimum age for obtaining a license (PCOC) to operate a jet ski, you must be 16 years of age or older to operate a jet ski in Canada.
How old do you have to be to drive a jet ski in Canada?
In Canada, the Transport Canada TP 14350E Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs), sets a legal minimum age of 16 years old to operate a jet ski (PWC).
This age restriction does not apply to jet ski operators in the Nunavut and Northwest Territories.
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MyBoatCard.com® is accredited by Transport Canada to deliver boating safety courses and administer tests for the issuance of Pleasure Craft Operator Cards, including replacement cards, under the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations.
Can I rent a jet ski without a license (PCOC) in Canada?
Yes, you can legally rent a jet ski without having a license, also known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, in Canada.
Transport Canada allows you to rent a jet ski in Canada without a license if:
- You completed and co-sign a Rental Safety Checklist with the rental company; and
- You understand the instructions provided by the rental company
Please Note: The Rental Safety Checklist is only valid for the duration of your rental and no longer.
Can you drive your own jet ski without a license in Canada?
No, you can not drive your own jet ski without a license in Canada. It is illegal to operate a privately owned personal watercraft (PWC) in Canada without a boating license or other Proof of Competency.
A Rental Safety Checklist can only be used on a rental jet ski and is not recognized as proof of competency on a privately owned jet ski.
What size jet ski can you drive without a license in Canada?
You can not drive a motorized jet ski in Canada without having a license (PCOC) or other proof of competency, regardless of the jet ski’s size or power. This includes all electrical personal watercraft (PWC), regardless of their power rating.
What is the fine for driving a jet ski without a license in Canada?
The minimum fine for operating a jet ski without a license (Pleasure Craft Operator Card), or other proof of competency in Canada, is $250.
Remember that jet skiing without proof of competency is not only illegal, but it’s also dangerous.
Do I need a license to operate my Personal Water Craft (PWC) in Canada if I am just visiting the country?
If you are a non-resident visiting Canada with your own PWC, you are not required to carry proof of competency on board as long as your PWC is in Canada for less than 45 consecutive days.
Do I need to register or license my jet ski in Canada?
Yes – all jet skis (PWCs) powered by an engine or engines of 10 hp (7.5 KW) horsepower or more, must be licensed with Transport Canada. Alternatively, instead of licensing a Personal Water Craft (PWC), it can be registered with Transport Canada.
A pleasure craft licence is a document that provides your jet ski with a unique licence number, which is valid for 10 years. Pleasure craft license paperwork must be kept on board when the jet ski is being operated. The license number must be displayed on both sides of the bow of the jet ski.
The Pleasure Craft Licensing System enables Search and Rescue personnel to access details about your jet ski, providing a critical resource in emergency situations.
What is the difference between jet ski license / registration and a license to operate a jet ski?
It’s important not to confuse the pleasure craft license, vessel registration and the license to operate a jet ski, also known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. These are three separate documents that pertain to different aspects of jet skiing in Canada.
The pleasure craft license and vessel registration are for the registering of the jet ski itself, while the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is a license that is required for anyone operating a motorized jet ski in Canadian waters.
To jet ski legally in Canada, you will need to have both:
- A pleasure craft license or a registered jet ski (if the jet ski engine is 10hp / 7.5kW or above); and
- A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (or other proof of competency)
What do you need to operate a Personal Water Craft (PWC) in Canada?
Before you operate a Sea-Doo in Canada, you must meet certain requirements.
These requirements include:
- Age: Jet ski operators must be 16 years of age or older, regardless of the jet ski’s 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 other Marine Certificate.
- Safety Equipment: You must have a minimum amount of safety equipment on your jet ski. If everyone on the Personal Watercraft (PWC) is wearing a lifejacket or PFD of the appropriate size, the following safety equipment is required:
- 1x Lifejacket or PFD – for each person on board
- 1x Sound signalling device
- 1x Watertight flashlight or 3x type A, B, or C flares
- 1x Magnetic compass [not required within sight of navigation marks]
- Navigation lights [not required if operated in daylight and good visibility]
Jet Ski Laws and Regulations in Canada
The Canada Shipping Act, 2001 is the principal legislation governing safety of marine transportation and recreational jet skiing, as well as protection of the marine environment in Canada.
Jet Skiing and Alcohol in Canada
The consumption of alcohol while operating a PWC in Canada is illegal, the same rules that apply to drinking and driving in Canada apply. You can be fined a minimum of $230 or imprisoned.
Fine for drinking on a jet ski:
- $230 – if drinking alcohol on a boat that does not have a sleeping area, cooking facilities or toilet.
Fines for operating a jet ski while impaired:
- 1st offence: Mandatory minimum $1000 fine; Maximum 10 years imprisonment
- 2nd offence: Mandatory minimum 30 days imprisonment; Maximum 10 years imprisonment
- 3rd offence: Mandatory minimum 120 days imprisonment; Maximum 10 years imprisonment
Source: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/sidl-rlcfa/
Other PWC Related Fines in Canada:
- $250 – Not having the required PCOC or proof of competency on board
- $250 – Violating horsepower restrictions
- $350 – Careless operation
- $200 – Missing safety equipment
- $500 – Unsafe operation
- $200 – Per missing lifejacket/pdf onboard
Be Safe, Get Certified.
It is illegal to operate a powered Personal Watercraft 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 are operating your PWC safely and responsibly.
By completing a operator card course and obtaining your jet ski license (PCOC), you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to operate a jet ski safely, protect yourself and others, and avoid costly fines. If you want to test your knowledge – why not try out the free practice test.
With the convenience and affordability of MyBoatCard.com’s online course, there is no reason not to get your PWC license today.
Join the over 2 million certified Canadians, and get your license today!