Boat Operator Accredited Training - B.O.A.T.
The following is a summary of some of the new regulations introduced in September 1999 by the Canadian Coast Guard:
Who needs the pleasure craft operator (PCO) card?
| Age | Craft | Deadline |
| Born after April 1, 1983 | Any | Now |
| Any | Any powered less than 4m in length | Sept. 15, 2002 |
| Any | Any powered boat | Sept. 15, 2009 |
Age & horsepower restrictions:
| Age | Horsepower Restrictions |
| Under 12 years of age and not supervised | Can operate a vessel with no more than 10 hp (7.5 KW) |
| Between 12 & 16 years of age, and not supervised | Can operate a vessel with no more than 40 hp (7.5 KW) |
| Under 16 years of age | Not allowed to operate a PWC (i.e.: Sea-Doos, Jet Skis) |
| 16 years of age and older | No power restrictions |
There are 2 routes to obtaining your PCO card from the Lifesaving Society:
- Write the test - If you are an experienced boater or have been trained as a boat operator, this may be an option for you. Vital Safety Training is a Lifesaving Society BOAT test Centre. Simply call us and set up a time to write the test.
- Study at home - Read the BOAT Study Guide, brush up on your boating skills, then drop in to do the BOAT test at our training center. We have the BOAT Study Guide available to anyone interested in the BOAT course.