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Get the Pleasure Craft Operator Card for $25*

You can get your official Transport Canada PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) in 2 steps:

Step 1: Study our Free Course (take as long as you like to review our free online course)
Step 2: Write the on-paper test at one of our Testing Centres or by Mail.

When you pass the on-paper test, you will receive your permanent Pleasure Craft Operator Card by first class mail. The total cost for the entire process is only $25*.

* Some testing agents add a $5 surcharge to defray their costs.

We created freecourse.ca to provide boaters with the most affordable way to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). We charge half of what our major competitors charge to write the test. In addition, we charge only $12.50 to replace lost or damaged PCOCs (other course providers charge much more). Check the Our Prices page to learn more.

We need testing agents in all communities across Canada. If you are interested in teaching our in-class courses or in supervising our boater tests, please go to our Join Us page for more information on becoming a freecourse.ca testing agent or trainer.

Our program is endorsed by Olympic Silver Medallist
Anna van der Kamp.

We believe in giving back to the community. We donate five percent of our revenues to organisations that provide child development services, community assistance, and environmental protection (see list).

Freecourse.ca training and testing services are also available through participating St. John Ambulance provincial branches. St. John Ambulance Canada is dedicated to enabling Canadians to improve their health, safety, and quality of life by providing training and humanitarian services from coast to coast. Please click here to visit the St. John Ambulance Canada section of our site.

Anyone of any age or nationality operating any type of pleasure craft (including Seadoos and jet skis) powered by any type or size of motor must carry proof of competency (such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card) to operate their pleasure craft. Failure to carry proof of competency risks a fine of $250.

What is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

Who must get the card and when?

How can I get the card?

How often do I have to renew the card?

Is freecourse.ca accredited by Transport Canada?

Do you have local testing centres where I can write the test?

What is a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is the most accepted proof of competency to operate a powered pleasure craft. The card is obtained by getting a passing grade on a Transport Canada accredited Operator Proficiency Test. The card is made of durable PVC plastic and is valid for life; there are no annual fees.

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Who must get the card and what are the deadlines?

Under Canada's Competency of Pleasure Craft Operators regulations, the following operators must carry proof of competency when operating a powered pleasure craft in Canada:

any operator born after April 1, 1983; and
all operators (regardless of age) of powered recreational vessels less than 4 metres (13 ft) in length. By September 15, 2009, all operators of all powered pleasure craft will have to carry proof of competency.

An operator is the person in charge of a vessel. Failure to carry proof of competency carries a fine of $250. Proof of Competency can take any of three forms:

Proof of having taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999;
A Pleasure Craft Operator Card from a Transport Canada accredited course provider such as freecourse.ca; or
A completed rental safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats).

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What is an Operator Proficiency Test?

You can obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card by earning a mark of at least 75% on a Transport Canada accredited Operator Proficiency Test. The test checksyour understanding of 149 knowledge areas required by Transport Canada. An Operator Proficiency Test contains 36 questions drawn at random from the 149 knowledge areas. These tests are offered by course providers, such freecourse.ca, who have been accredited by Transport Canada. You can write your test at any one of 150 freecourse.ca testing centres across Canada. Our testing centres are well located, open all year round, and possess one or more quiet classrooms where you can write your test undisturbed. You can view our list of testing centres at our Testing Centres page. The fee to write the test at one of our testing centres is $25. When you pass the test, you will be issued a temporary operator card immediately. Your permanent Pleasure Craft Operator Card will be forwarded by first class mail. The $25 fee pays for the test, the temporary card, and the permanent Pleasure Craft Operator Card; there are no other fees.

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How can I get the card?

You can obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card by earning a mark of at least 75% on a Transport Canada Operator Proficiency Test. These tests are offered through course providers, such freecourse.ca, who have been accredited by Transport Canada. It is highly recommended that boaters review our online course before writing the test. You also have the option of taking this test without first completing a boating safety course. You can write your Transport Canada certified Operator Proficiency Test onsite at any of our testing centres across Canada. Our testing centres are conveniently located, open on weekdays and weekends, and possess one or more quiet classrooms where you can write your test. You can view our list of testing centres at our Testing Centres page. You can also write the test online at this web site. The fee to write the test, either at one of our testing centres or online, is only $25. When you pass our accredited Operator Proficiency Test, freecourse.ca will send you your permanent Pleasure Craft Operator Card by first class mail.

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How often do I have to renew the card?

Never. The card is valid for life. There are no annual fees.

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Is freecourse.ca accredited by Transport Canada?

Yes, freecourse.ca is fully accredited by Transport Canada and is authorised to provide boater safety training, to test boaters in-class or via the Internet, and to issue official Pleasure Craft Operator Cards.

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Do you have local testing centres where I can write the test?

Yes freecourse.ca has testing centres accros Canada. Go to our list of testing centres, find a centre near you, and then call them to arrange a date and time for you to write your test.

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