Get your official Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) online through our Transport Canada approved course. Complete your British Columbia boating license in as little as 3-6 hours from the comfort of your home. Valid for life in all Canadian provinces and territories.
Choose British Columbia to access the most relevant boating safety course. Our online PCOC course is accepted nationwide and meets all Transport Canada requirements.
Start boating legally on BC's incredible waters - from Vancouver's False Creek to the Gulf Islands and Interior lakes.
In British Columbia, a boating license is officially known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). It is your evidence that you attended an accepted course in boating safety and know the laws of navigation, accident safety measures, and emergency actions.
This license is mandatory for operating ANY motorized boat in BC waters, including the coastal waters around Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and interior lakes like Shuswap and Okanagan.
This license ensures that every boater possesses minimum knowledge of the principles of navigation, safety gear, and safety protocol in case of an emergency, preventing accidents at sea.
The PCOC will help you learn the following essential skills:
Key benefits of getting your BC PCOC include:
Legal Requirement: Canadian law since 1999 demands that anyone driving a motorized boat possesses a PCOC. In British Columbia waters, failure to carry your license can result in fines up to $250.
Safety First: BC's diverse waters - from coastal areas with strong currents and tides to mountain lakes - present unique challenges. The PCOC course teaches essential safety skills that can save lives on the water.
BC Rental Requirements: Most marinas and boat rental companies in Vancouver, Victoria, and throughout BC require proof of your PCOC before renting any motorized vessel.
You need a PCOC if you operate any motorized pleasure craft in British Columbia waters, including boats with electric motors. This applies whether you're boating in False Creek, exploring the Gulf Islands, or enjoying lake boating in the Interior.
BC Age and Power Restrictions:
All motorized boating in these areas requires a valid PCOC - don't risk the $250 fine!
Getting your PCOC for British Columbia waters is quick and straightforward. The entire process can be completed in one day:
Step 1: Take the Course - Online courses take 3-6 hours (self-paced), includes BC-specific scenarios and regulations.
Step 2: Pass the Exam - Receive your temporary digital card immediately upon passing.
Step 3: Receive Your Physical Card - Your official PCOC arrives by mail in 2-4 weeks.
Your PCOC course includes important knowledge for BC's unique boating conditions:
Does my Canadian PCOC expire? No, the PCOC is valid for life and never needs renewal.
Do tourists visiting BC need a boating license? Yes, anyone operating a motorized boat in BC waters needs a PCOC. International visitors may use their home country boating license provided it meets Canadian standards.
Is my PCOC valid outside BC? Yes, your PCOC is valid throughout Canada. Some US states also accept it, but check local regulations.
Do I need a license for BC rental boats? Yes, virtually all BC rental agencies require you to provide a PCOC before renting any motorized boat.
Can non-BC residents get a PCOC? Yes, non-residents can obtain a PCOC and it's valid throughout Canada.
What's the minimum age for a PCOC in BC? There's no minimum age to obtain the card, but you must be 12+ to operate a boat independently, and 16+ for personal watercraft.
What if I fail the BC boating exam? No problem! You get unlimited retries and can retake the exam as many times as needed.
Don't wait - start your boating license course today and join millions of safe, certified boaters across Canada. Perfect for exploring BC's stunning coastline, pristine lakes, and world-class boating destinations.
What You Get:
Ready to get your BC PCOC? Click here to begin your online course and start boating legally and safely in British Columbia waters.
Start exploring BC's incredible boating opportunities today - legally and safely!