Below is the information you need to know about boating laws and regulations in Québec.
Q: Do I need a boat licence in Québec?
Recreational boating is one of Québec’s most popular pastimes, with millions enjoying Canadian waterways each year. However, accidents happen – most of which are preventable! Failure to wear lifejackets and falling overboard results in over 200 fatalities each year across Canada, with thousands more non-fatal accidents. To help limit the number of accidents on the water, a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card is required in all Canadian provinces, including Québec, when operating motorized vessels – regardless of age, size of boat or engine horsepower. It’s the law. Boat operators caught without their card, known as a boating license, face a minimum $250 fine.
What’s the difference between licensing a boat and getting my boating license?
Boat owners need to license their vessel by getting a document with a unique identification number that is to be displayed on your boat for ID purposes. That’s not to be confused with your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), commonly known as a boat license. Your PCOC is the boater’s version of a driving license that demonstrates that you are a competent boat driver and fully understand the rules and regulations of operating a motorized boat on Québec’s waterways. To put it simply, your boat needs a license, and so does the driver!
Q: How long does it take to get my Québec boat license?
The Official Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam is available online and can be completed from the comfort of your home. The best thing is that there’s no separate “Québec Boating License”, the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is approved proof of competency to operate on all Canadian waterways.
Q: What if I don’t pass the boat license test?
Don’t worry if you don’t pass your boating license exam the first time: you can re-take the test free of charge until you successfully complete the course. After passing your exam, you will receive a temporary boating license straight away – allowing you to get out on the water immediately!
Q: How long does the boating license course take?
The boating license course is designed to take a minimum of three hours as designated by Transport Canada, however you can do it at your own pace and complete modules over the course of a few days – or even weeks – if you prefer.
Q: What age do I have to be to drive a boat?
You can drive a power boat even if you are under 12 years old – however there are horsepower restrictions to be aware of, limiting the type of vessel young boaters are allowed to drive! Remember, if you are going to drive a powerboat, you need a licence – regardless of age. Click here to learn more about the age restrictions for various types of vehicles on the water.
Q: Do I need a licence to drive a jet-ski?
Yep! All drivers of motorised / powered watercrafts are required to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or boating license on board with them at all times. This includes jet-skis, and applies to all ages.
Q: Where Is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) valid?
Your boating license or PCOC is valid in each province of Canada, including Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Columbia (BC), Prince Edward Island (PEI), Saskatchewan, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador (NFLD).
Q: What is the fine for operating without your card?
Not having the required Pleasure Craft Operator Card or proof of competency on board will result in a fine of $250, excluding administrative charges. Click here to learn more about boating fines in Québec.
Q: Who enforces these laws?
The law will be enforced by peace officers and The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) on all Québec waterways. You can expect to see these officers on the lakes and rivers in Québec, so make sure the captain of your boat is carrying their Pleasure Craft Operator Card, as well as proof of age, with them at all times – no excuses
Where in Québec am I NOT allowed to go boating?
Some of Canada’s Provincial Parks have restricted areas to protect certain waterways, including Québec’s Provincial Parks, which may not allow motorized boating activities on certain lakes. Be sure to follow the rules and restrictions for the new waterways you come across on your Québec boating adventure!
Sign up for your boating licence and get out on the water today! If you have any other questions about boating in Québec, don’t hesitate to get in touch!