The Process of Getting a Boating License

By Adriana Noton


Across Canada, those who operate a pleasure craft require a specific license. Also, the process of obtaining one has changed since mid-April of 2011. For those who passed their test prior to this your license is valid for life. Those who haven't will need to undergo the following process, which is a little more intense than the old one. First is the boater registration. You'll need to pay $50 to become Transport Canada Accredited. They accept all major credit cards, plus you may also pay with PayPal. This fee includes the price of the testing, the exam, and the mailing of your certificate. It also includes free retries should you not achieve a passing grade of 75% (38 out of 50).

The second thing is the course. You can take this in person or online, but it takes three hours to complete. You will study a training module that gets progressively harder, testing you on the knowledge as you proceed. This studying is concluded with a final exam, that has increased in length to 50 questions from 36. This ensures that soon to be boaters have a more comprehensive knowledge of their craft and of rules, safety tips and etiquette on the water. You are able to try the first module free of charge, but it's just a way of acclimatizing yourself with the program-it doesn't enable you to time yourself or track your progress, and it will not count towards passing your final exam. Online exam no longer require supervision, and you're even able to write from the comfort of your own home. There are other ways to prepare for the class. You can purchase a BOATsmart! Study guide on CD-ROM or a printed out version from Canadian Tire. You can complete the test in person as well at one of the three places: participating Canadian Tires, BOAT smart! Exam Centres, and BOATsmart! Safe Boating Team Events in communities across Canada. When you successfully complete the exam you'll be able to print off a temporary boating license that will serve you until you receive your registered one in the mail, something which should take 4-6 weeks.

If you prefer, there is a classroom component you complete in person that is a guided three hour course. This course concludes with the Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam, and can be undertaken at participating locations across Canada.

We are fortunate to live in a place where boating is regulated in a consistent, fair manner. Without testing there's no telling what kind of drivers will find themselves behind the wheel of a boat, endangering themselves and those around them. The demands and the costs are reasonable, and those who fail to comply or are unable to produce their card risk a $250.00 fine!

It's better to be learn the information that'll keep you and your company safe on the water while avoiding the possibility of being fined no small amount of money. This way you'll be able to freely enjoy the pleasures of boating exam.




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