Canadian Boating Safety Course -
Chapter 1 Exam Questions and Answers
Boater Certification Laws
In Canada, ALL operators of recreational powered watercraft must have proof of operator
competency in order to operate any vessel. Proof of competency must be carried onboard the
pleasure craft at all times while operating the craft. Failure to carry proof of competency can
result in harsh monetary fines, which may be issued by any officer of the peace.
Note: "operate" refers to the act of controlling the speed and course of a pleasure craft.
Proof of competency can be a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, a Boating Safety Course
Completion Card, a rental boat safety checklist, proof of successful completion of a boating
safety course, or a training certificate recognized by Transport Canada.
If carrying a Pleasure Craft Operator Card as proof of competency, the original card must be
carried on board. Photocopies or other copies of the card will not be accepted as proof of
competency.
In the case of non-residents of Canada, they are required to have proof of operator competency
if they operate their pleasure craft on Canadian waters for more than 44 consecutive days, or if
they are operating a pleasure craft that is registered or licensed in Canada. An operator card
that meets requirements in the non-resident's home state or country will be recognized as valid
proof of competency in Canada.
Note: For more information on additional proofs of competency that are recognized by
Transport Canada, please visit the Office of Boating Safety, or call the Boating Safety Infoline at
1-800-267-6687.
, Boater Certification Laws: Age Restrictions
Children under 12 years of age may only operate a boat with a motor of up to 10 hp, unless
accompanied and directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older.
Persons 12 to 15 years of age may only operate a boat with a motor of up to 40 hp, unless
accompanied and directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older.
The minimum age for operating a personal watercraft (i.e., Sea-Doo®, Jet Ski®) is 16 years of
age.
Small-vessel safety equipment and safety precaution requirements for boaters include a
"careless operation of a vessel" offence, which requires boaters to travel safely and avoid
putting themselves and others at risk.
Pleasure Craft
A boat, a ship, a vessel, or any other description of water craft that is used exclusively for
pleasure and does not carry passengers or goods for hire, reward, remuneration or any object
of profit.
Know Before You Go
Avoid danger on the water by taking a few minutes before you leave to check the following:
Weather forecast;
Local hazards;
Maps and charts;
Your onboard PFDs;
First-aid kit, tool kit, tools and spare parts onboard;
Sufficient fuel;
Safety equipment in working order; and
Ensure that someone knows where you are going and when to expect you back.
Wear Your Life Jacket or Personal Flotation Device
The major cause of fatalities involving small boats is drowning from falls overboard, which is
Chapter 1 Exam Questions and Answers
Boater Certification Laws
In Canada, ALL operators of recreational powered watercraft must have proof of operator
competency in order to operate any vessel. Proof of competency must be carried onboard the
pleasure craft at all times while operating the craft. Failure to carry proof of competency can
result in harsh monetary fines, which may be issued by any officer of the peace.
Note: "operate" refers to the act of controlling the speed and course of a pleasure craft.
Proof of competency can be a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, a Boating Safety Course
Completion Card, a rental boat safety checklist, proof of successful completion of a boating
safety course, or a training certificate recognized by Transport Canada.
If carrying a Pleasure Craft Operator Card as proof of competency, the original card must be
carried on board. Photocopies or other copies of the card will not be accepted as proof of
competency.
In the case of non-residents of Canada, they are required to have proof of operator competency
if they operate their pleasure craft on Canadian waters for more than 44 consecutive days, or if
they are operating a pleasure craft that is registered or licensed in Canada. An operator card
that meets requirements in the non-resident's home state or country will be recognized as valid
proof of competency in Canada.
Note: For more information on additional proofs of competency that are recognized by
Transport Canada, please visit the Office of Boating Safety, or call the Boating Safety Infoline at
1-800-267-6687.
, Boater Certification Laws: Age Restrictions
Children under 12 years of age may only operate a boat with a motor of up to 10 hp, unless
accompanied and directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older.
Persons 12 to 15 years of age may only operate a boat with a motor of up to 40 hp, unless
accompanied and directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older.
The minimum age for operating a personal watercraft (i.e., Sea-Doo®, Jet Ski®) is 16 years of
age.
Small-vessel safety equipment and safety precaution requirements for boaters include a
"careless operation of a vessel" offence, which requires boaters to travel safely and avoid
putting themselves and others at risk.
Pleasure Craft
A boat, a ship, a vessel, or any other description of water craft that is used exclusively for
pleasure and does not carry passengers or goods for hire, reward, remuneration or any object
of profit.
Know Before You Go
Avoid danger on the water by taking a few minutes before you leave to check the following:
Weather forecast;
Local hazards;
Maps and charts;
Your onboard PFDs;
First-aid kit, tool kit, tools and spare parts onboard;
Sufficient fuel;
Safety equipment in working order; and
Ensure that someone knows where you are going and when to expect you back.
Wear Your Life Jacket or Personal Flotation Device
The major cause of fatalities involving small boats is drowning from falls overboard, which is
