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| Page: Pleasure Craft Operator Card - PCOC |
The Pleasure Craft Operator Card, also known as a PCOC, is proof of competency under the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations. images/pleasure-craft-operator-card.gif
The Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations include items like speed limits both posted and unposted (such as shoreline speed zones), designated waters where boats are prohibited and waters where certain activities are restricted, among others.
The regulations also outline age-horsepower restrictions. These restrictions prohibit those less than 16 years of age from operating craft above specified horsepower limits. If an operator is accompanied and directly supervised in the pleasure craft by someone 16 years of age or older, the age-horsepower restrictions do not apply. These restrictions also prohibit those less than 16 years of age from operating personal watercraft regardless of whether they are accompanied or not.
| How this applies to operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes | Power restrictions |
|---|---|
| Less than 12 years of age and not directly supervised** | Can operate a pleasure craft with no more than 10 hp
(7.5 kW) |
| Between 12, and under, 16 years of age and not directly supervised** | Can operate a pleasure craft with no more than 40 hp (30 kW) |
| Less than 16 years of age | Not allowed to operate a PWC*** |
| 16 years of age or older | No power restrictions |
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* These requirements apply in all areas outside the
Northwest Territories and Nunavut at this time.
** Directly supervised means accompanied and directly supervised in the boat by someone 16 years of age or older who has a PCOC. *** Personal watercraft These restrictions are made under the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations and are not affected nor superseded by the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations. The Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations and Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations are entirely separate regulations and their respective requirements are complementary. |
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