Nova Scotia is a Canadian maritime province, and boating is a way of life for the people there. Nova Scotia boasts a rich community where boating takes center stage, so it comes as little surprise that some of the largest and most recognized angler, sail boating and yacht clubs spring from this area. What draws vacationing boaters to Nova Scotia is the great diversity that the area offers. There are hundreds of marinas, including a dozen or more major ones, sprinkled all along Nova Scotia’s impressive coastline. Boaters can explore the ocean, islands, lagoons, bays, coves and so forth, and if they want to come inland, they can experience Nova Scotia’s many lakes, streams and rivers.
Whether you choose to boat inland or along the coast, you will require a boating license, as is required in all of Canada. Boating licenses in Nova Scotia are relatively inexpensive and easy to attain. In fact, many visitors acquire them by scheduling ahead and then taking the test when they arrive. They send the permanent license by mail, but they provide the fully privileged temporary license on the spot. The craft license is good for a period, after which you will have to renew it, which you can do by mail. The upgrade, or pleasure craft license, is more expensive, but the advantage is that it is a lifetime license, which means that you never have to renew it.
You only pay for your Boating License Exam once. If you don’t pass, you can try the exam again at no additional charge.
ASM Safe Safe Boating encourages boaters in all provinces to take a Transport Canada Accredited course to obtain the Canadian Boating License (officially known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card). ASM Safe Boating, through its partnership with BoaterExam.com, offers Transport Canada accredited courses and certification for the Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
If you operate a boat, you have to have a boater license. It’s the law. Without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, or boat operators license, you’re automatically subject to a $250 fine.
