Pleasure Craft Operator Card

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is a document used in Canada as proof of competency to operate a recreational boat with a motor. It is required for any craft fitted with a motor, even if the motor is not in use, for example an auxiliary motor on a sailboat.

It has been required since 1999. Regulations are currently defined under Canadian maritime law by the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

It is not required for non-powered pleasure craft. It is not required in Nunavut and Northwest Territories. Nor is it required by certain indigenous peoples in Canada and non-residents.

The PCOC can be obtained by taking a Transport Canada accredited boating safety course, then passing a test. Transport Canada requires a minimum study time of 3 hours for the boating safety course. The boating course is generally split up into 5 chapters with a 10 question multiple choice quiz at the end of each chapter. Curriculum includes:
 * nautical terms
 * safety equipment and procedures
 * Canadian buoys and markers
 * sharing the waterways
 * rules and regulations
 * emergencies
 * safe boat operation
 * navigation
 * emergency preparedness
 * fueling safety
 * craft loading
 * craft inspection