Canadian Boaters License

[Brent Swain]

I see a lot of advertising for courses and tests for the new Canadian boaters license, sometimes at greatly inflated prices. Boaters should be aware that St Johns Ambulance has the course on line for free at freecourse.ca, and will do the test for you for $25 at any St Johns Ambulance centre.
I don't mind giving them my $25, instead of some scammer.
Next time I see guys lining up to take an over priced test, I plan to stand at the front of the line and tell them St Johns Ambulance does it for $25.

[Astrid]

Transport Canada has a list of accredited sites which can assist in obtaining the required PCOC Card. Transport Canada does not regulate fees charged, and recommends shopping around for best prices. TC also lists those sites which have failed to meet accreditation standards.

National Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Program - Personnel Training, Examination and Certification - Marine Transportation - Transport Canada

[Reckless]

Thanks for the heads up, My son took his through Boaterexam.com, he was charged $29 which I thought was reasonable. When he got his card he was given about 6 $10 off coupons which we gave out to friends who we knew needed them.

I think the card is just a money grab, it does give some basic knowledge, but the tests are very remedial and the fact that you only take it once and it is good for life make is meaningless.

I see far to many boaters out there with cards who have no clue what they are doing. and with the online testing you can sit there with a book or website open and take the test, so who is really learning anything.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by Reckless

I see far to many boaters out there with cards who have no clue what they are doing. and with the online testing you can sit there with a book or website open and take the test, so who is really learning anything.

One would, as least, learn the answers to the test. Better then none at all.

[Brent Swain]

I wonder if a judge would consider my 9 singlehanded Pacific crossings and 40 years of cruising , most of it full time, les proof of competency than someone who sat down at a table and got all the answers right , without having ever set foot on a boat.
One can sail non stop from Europe via the Horn and be asked to prove ones competecy once one gets here.
You can't legislate away inherant stupidity.

[Navicula]

I just completed a boating course through the ashbridges bay power squadron,
and included in the course was a power squadron boating license.

what they did tell us is that the power squadrons license is the only canadian boating card that is recognized in the USA.

I now hold 2 boating licenses

[Reckless]

Originally Posted by Brent Swain

I wonder if a judge would consider my 9 singlehanded Pacific crossings and 40 years of cruising , most of it full time, les proof of competency than someone who sat down at a table and got all the answers right , without having ever set foot on a boat.
One can sail non stop from Europe via the Horn and be asked to prove ones competecy once one gets here.
You can't legislate away inherant stupidity.

Nope meaningless Brent, you need pay and answer 36 questions and get 75%, all that experience means nothing if you can't answer 36 questions and if you don't have that piece of plastic, be ready to cough up the $250 fine.

And that is exactly why I think the exam is useless. 36 rather simple and predictable questions. It doesn't teach much, it is a money grab. I had to get them for all 5 members of my family.

What the course teaches is too simple for what needs to be taught to new boaters out there.

[Jimboats]

I know this is a dumb question, but does Canada have an age limit like I think WA has (55), and do you need one to pass thru on the way to AK?

[Healer52]

In the States, BoatUS has online, free certification for many (most) states that require it.

It's a shame that a Canadian company or organization doesn't offer the same.

Fortunately my free, online, Montana cert works just fine on the Rideau...

[hpeer]

Useless yes, but also fairly painless to get. I did mine online some years ago.

It does give the Lawyers something to argue over that THEY can understand.

But I guess I'm being cynical. Sorry.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Brent Swain

You can't legislate away inherant stupidity.

No, but some legislators might be able to spell it correctly.

(sorry. couldn't resist.)

[Brent Swain]

It's the thin edge of a wedge. Don't expect it to remain painless, affordable or easy.

[Tarquah]

By the way, where can one sail with the PCOC? Can one go to Europe or the Caribbean?

[hpeer]

It is a Canadian requirement that supposedly demonstrates minimum competence of Canadian regulations by Canadian boaters. It applies no where else.

[Vasco]

I finally got mine this year. Initially I thought we would be grandfathered so I didn't bother. Walked into Humber College Sailing School in Toronto and took the test, $25. Biggest scam is that you can do it online for $60 but who's to know it's you?