The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is a document used in Canada as proof of competency to operate a recreational boat with a motor.^[1] It is required for any craft fitted with a motor, even if the motor is not in use, for example an auxiliary motor on a sailboat.

It has been required since 1999. Regulations are currently defined under Canadian maritime law by the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

It is not required for non-powered pleasure craft. It is not required in Nunavut and Northwest Territories. Nor is it required by certain indigenous peoples in Canada and non-residents.^[2]

The PCOC can be obtained by taking a Transport Canada accredited boating safety course, then passing a test. Transport Canada requires a minimum study time of 3 hours for the boating safety course. The boating course is generally split up into 5 chapters with a 10 question multiple choice quiz at the end of each chapter. Curriculum includes:^[2]

• nautical terms
• safety equipment and procedures
• Canadian buoys and markers
• sharing the waterways
• rules and regulations
• emergencies
• safe boat operation
• navigation
• emergency preparedness
• fueling safety
• craft loading
• craft inspection