As a result of this thread, I just got around to taking my WA state boaters card exam online. It took < 20 mins. While I agree that a test/knowledge doesn't make you safe, I think the requirements can make you a bit safer. E.g. simple things like knowing who is the stand-on and who is the give way vessel can't hurt. I think that to simply refer to the testing (be it drivers license or boaters card) as JUST a tax is wrong. Not only is enforcement required but people need to know the rules. If they don't know the rules, they can't hardly follow them. Knowing the rules is what the boaters card (or drivers license) is about.
Canadian Pleasure craft Operators card
- Thread starter starcrafttom
- Start date
Alyssa Jean
New member
I thought I hurt myself sleeping onetime, but as it turns out I was just daydreaming.
Interesting topic because the points made are always the same. Does a card make you a better operator. Answer has to be 'No' but insurance companies see enough difference in accident statistics to give a discount to those who have completed a course. Maybe they are idiots :? .
When we boated in Maryland they brought in cards but grandfathered people of a certain age. We wanted our (then) young son to be able to operate the Zodiac so we all took a USCG course together. I learned stuff [or perhaps remembered stuff] despite my three years of Royal Navy training and my CYA cruising course. It didn't hurt me and the course was free. (But we had to buy the book). We did USCG because both Maryland and Pennsylvania recognized it.
When I returned to Canada my CYA course was credited and I paid $20 for an operator's certificate. Not too expensive. I recently rented a boat for the day in San Francisco and my USCG card got me a small discount and saved the 'test' hassle. So far, not much investment of time and money but some pluses.
On the topic of taxes (licences) the answer is 'Thou shalt not win'. In Maryland there had to be an annual registration fee paid and a sticker affixed. I was fined one January day for not affixing. The boat was wet and cold and I didn't want to risk poor adhesion. I had the sticker in my hand but not affixed and displayed. In BC I have to register the boat and affix my numbers. Registration is free and good for as long as I own the boat. Saved me the money to pay for my operator's card. :wink:
When we boated in Maryland they brought in cards but grandfathered people of a certain age. We wanted our (then) young son to be able to operate the Zodiac so we all took a USCG course together. I learned stuff [or perhaps remembered stuff] despite my three years of Royal Navy training and my CYA cruising course. It didn't hurt me and the course was free. (But we had to buy the book). We did USCG because both Maryland and Pennsylvania recognized it.
When I returned to Canada my CYA course was credited and I paid $20 for an operator's certificate. Not too expensive. I recently rented a boat for the day in San Francisco and my USCG card got me a small discount and saved the 'test' hassle. So far, not much investment of time and money but some pluses.
On the topic of taxes (licences) the answer is 'Thou shalt not win'. In Maryland there had to be an annual registration fee paid and a sticker affixed. I was fined one January day for not affixing. The boat was wet and cold and I didn't want to risk poor adhesion. I had the sticker in my hand but not affixed and displayed. In BC I have to register the boat and affix my numbers. Registration is free and good for as long as I own the boat. Saved me the money to pay for my operator's card. :wink:
seabeagle, if you have a Michigan boaters safety card you will have no problem.
Non-residents only need to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operators Card if they are operating there powered boat in Canadian water for more than 45 consecutive days or if the boat they are operating is registered or licenced in Canada ( this includes rented boats ) . Boater Educational Cards or equivalant certifications are recognized in Canada.Proper identification should be kept on board at all times to provide proof of residency.
Tug
Non-residents only need to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operators Card if they are operating there powered boat in Canadian water for more than 45 consecutive days or if the boat they are operating is registered or licenced in Canada ( this includes rented boats ) . Boater Educational Cards or equivalant certifications are recognized in Canada.Proper identification should be kept on board at all times to provide proof of residency.
Tug