Boating Resources
Pleasure Craft Operator Card
As of September 15, 2009 all boaters are required to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card in order to operate a powered watercraft. The card must be in your possession when you operate your powerboat. There is no grandfather clause or age exemption – this law applies to all boaters. Powered watercraft includes watercraft fitted with any size motor – even a trolling motor.
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You can obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card by passing a boating safety test, which can be completed online. Please visit the Government of Canada “Proof of competency for recreational boaters” page for full instructions on how and where to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. If you have further questions, please visit their FAQs.
Please review Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide, which includes minimum equipment requirements you must have when operating power boats and other self-propelled vessels (sailboats, canoes, rowboats, etc.).
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In addition to criminal offences, there are other boating offences that are subject to fines under the Contraventions Regulations.
These include:
Operating a vessel while underage $250 +
Operating a vessel without a pleasure craft operator card on board $250 +
Altering, defacing or removing the serial number on the boat hull $350 +
Operating a boat in a careless manner, without consideration for others $350 +
Operating a vessel without boating safety equipment that is readily accessible and in good working order $200 +
Not having enough approved PFDs/lifejackets on board
($200 + $100 for every PFD/lifejacket missing)
Operating a boat without a working muffler in good condition $250 +
The law will be enforced by peace officers. The law requires that the operator of a powered watercraft carry their Pleasure Craft Operator Card, as well as proof of age, with them at all times.
Horsepower Restrictions for Children:
(Pleasure Craft Operator Card required)
The following restrictions apply to boaters under 16 years of age:
Children under age 12 who aren’t being directly supervised by someone 16 or older can only operate a pleasure craft with 10 horsepower or less.
Adolescents between the ages of 12 and 16 who aren’t being directly supervised by someone 16 or older can only operate a pleasure craft with 40 horsepower or less.
People under 16 are not permitted to operate a PWC, regardless of whether or not they are under supervision.
****People who are 16 or older have no power restrictions.
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RECOGNIZING MARINE BUOYS AND MARKERS IN CANADA
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If you have any concerns about a Peninsula Lake buoy, such as a lost buoy, please use the Form at the bottom of the Peninsula Lake Buoy Map -> Click Below https://www.penlake.ca/navigational-aids-buoy-maps
Please note: Please Include the location of the missing buoy, if known, and the location of the buoy, if known.
