Get your official Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) online through our Transport Canada approved course. Complete your Ontario boating license in as little as 3-6 hours from the comfort of your home. Valid for life in all Canadian provinces and territories.
Our online PCOC course is accepted nationwide and meets all Transport Canada requirements. Start boating legally on Ontario's incredible waters - from the Great Lakes to Muskoka cottage country and beyond.
A boating license in Ontario refers to the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). which serves as official proof that you've completed Transport Canada-approved boating safety education. This federally recognized credential demonstrates your competency in marine navigation, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
This license is mandatory for operating ANY motorized boat in Ontario waters, including the Great Lakes, cottage country lakes, and provincial waterways.
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 Ontario PCOC include:
Legal Requirement: Since 1999, federal legislation mandates that all motorized vessel operators possess valid proof of competency. In Ontario waters, operating without proper certification can result in substantial fines reaching $250.
Safety First: Ontario's vast Great Lakes and busy cottage country waters with changing weather conditions and heavy boat traffic require proper navigation knowledge. The PCOC course teaches essential safety skills that significantly reduces accident risks, protecting both your family and other water users.
Ontario Rental Requirements: Whether you're visiting Thousand Islands, planning a Muskoka getaway, or exploring Lake Simcoe, rental facilities universally demand PCOC verification before authorizing powered vessel rentals.
Every motorized boat operator in Ontario waters must possess valid PCOC certification, regardless of age, experience level, or vessel specifications. This applies whether you're boating in Great Lakes cruising, Muskoka cottage weekends, or exploring provincial waterways.
Ontario Age and Power Restrictions:
All motorized boating in these Ontario areas requires a valid PCOC - don't risk the $250 fine!
Getting your PCOC for Ontario 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). The flexible online format allows you to progress at your preferred pace, spreading education across multiple sessions or completing everything in one sitting.
Step 2: Pass the Exam - Receive your temporary digital PCOC card immediately upon passing.
Step 3: Receive Your Physical Card - Your official physical boating license (PCOC) will be mailed to you.
Does my Canadian PCOC expire? No, your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) remains valid for life and never requires renewal.
What if I go boating in another province?Your Ontario PCOC remains completely valid when boating in any other Canadian province or territory, with no additional licensing requirements needed.
Do tourists visiting Ontario need a boating license? Visitors and tourists must comply with identical requirements when operating motorized vessels in Ontario. International visitors may use their home country boating license provided if it meets Canadian standards.
Is my PCOC valid outside Ontario? Yes, your PCOC is valid throughout Canada. Some US states also accept it, but check local regulations.
Do I need a license for Ontario rental boats? Yes, virtually all Ontario rental agencies require you to provide a PCOC before renting any motorized boat.
Can non-Ontario 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 Ontario? 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 Ontario boating exam? No problem! You get unlimited retries and can retake the exam as many times as needed.
Start your Ontario boating license today and join hundreds of thousands of certified recreational boaters enjoying safe, legal access to the province's incredible waters. Your aquatic adventures begin with proper education—take the first step now toward responsible boating enjoyment.
What You Get: