We’ve all seen the ads: “Get the card it’s the law!” What this means in British Columbia and throughout Canada is that you must have a boat license in order to operate most water vessels. If you fail to get licensed and they catch you, the fines are substantial. The good news, however, is that licensing in British Columbia and throughout Canada is relatively easy to achieve. Set an appointment and take the test. If you pass, they give you a temporary license on the spot, and they mail the permanent license to your residence. If boaters upgrade from a craft to pleasure craft license, it is more expensive, but the card is good for life, so they never have to worry about renewing.
British Columbia is a magical place for boaters. There is the coast, of course, and you have a wide range of breathtaking vistas, pristine lakes, raging rivers, lazy streams and much more. For boaters and fishers, there are few places in the world that offer this much thrill and splendor in one area. There are whale-watching tours, fishing expeditions, guided boat tours, guided whitewater rafting, riverboats and much more. Nevertheless, the true magic of British Columbia, especially along the coast, is exploration. The coast is an amazing place with islands, inlets, coves and a number of other features that you will definitely want to see for yourself at a leisurely pace.
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.