The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is a document used in Canada as proof of competency to operate a recreational boat with a motor.[1] It is required for any craft fitted with a motor, even if the motor is not in use, for example an auxiliary motor on a sailboat.
It has been required since 1999. Regulations are currently defined under Canadian maritime law by the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.
It is not required for non-powered pleasure craft. It is not required in Nunavut and Northwest Territories. Nor is it required by certain indigenous peoples in Canada and non-residents.[2]
The PCOC can be obtained by taking a Transport Canada accredited boating safety course, then passing a test. Transport Canada requires a minimum study time of 3 hours for the boating safety course. The boating course is generally split up into 5 chapters with a 10 question multiple choice quiz at the end of each chapter.[3] Curriculum includes:[2]