By Samantha Maciag

Changes coming to Transport Canada’s boating competency exams

Apr 11, 2011 | 6:49 AM

Getting your Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC) for a motor boat will soon be more difficult and more convenient at the same time.

The exam is to change April 15, increasing from 36 to 50 questions. For those planning to complete it online, there will also be a mandatory three hour study course.

“Both those changes are positive, though, because they're being implemented to make sure that boaters have the right knowledge and skill and even an enhanced level of knowledge and skill than what the current exam requires,” said Cameron Taylor, president of BOATsmart Canada.

The improved convenience comes online. Because of the new mandatory course time, those wishing to write the exam from home can study and complete the test from home without a supervisor.

BOATsmart says between six and eight million boaters exist in Canada, but four million of them still don't have a PCOC. The card is required for all people operating a watercraft with a motor, even if it's just a trolling boat.

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Taylor says these new changes won't affect people who already have a PCOC.

“If you've got your BOATsmart card now, It's still good for life,” he said. “If you get it between now and the April 15 change, your BOATsmart card will still be good for life.”

news@panow.com