British Columbia is one of Canada’s most popular destinations for boaters, and Victoria, which is the capital, sits at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Victoria is separated from Washington USA by the Juan De Fuca Strait, and there is a ferry that carries passengers back and forth. For a wide array of reasons, Victoria is a popular vacation destination for Canadians, Americans and visitors from around the globe. It is a particularly popular place among boaters and fishers, especially during the summer months. However, even non-boaters can take advantage of the waters via fishing excursions, whale-watching expeditions, boat tours and so much more.
Nevertheless, in order to experience Victoria and the rest of British Columbia to its fullest, you will want to have a boating license. Victoria, like British Columbia and all of Canada, is quite strict concerning licenses for water vessels. Fines for not having the appropriate documentation can be hefty. Fortunately, Victoria makes boating license acquisition a relatively simple process. In fact, many first-timers will schedule their exam for the day they arrive or the day after. They mail the license to you, but they provide you with temporary license that gives full privileges the moment you pass the test. Once you have that, you will be able to take your own boat out, or rent a boat from any of the many chargers. Exploring Vancouver Island by boat is an experience you will not soon forget.
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.
