Boating 2009: How to Get Your Pleasure Craft Operator's Card or Boating License

There is nothing like boating for pleasure, the sun in your hair, the wind at your back, the spray of the water. It's exhilarating. But you risk losing you ability to operate your craft in Canada and the USA if you don't have a boating license. The rules and regulations to operate a boat have changed. As of September 15, 2009 for North America, all motor powered watercrafts must be operated by a person that has passed an accredited safe boating course and exam. The Coast Guard has already issued a statement that this deadline will not be extended.

Was it moaning and groaning that could be heard coming from your direction? Could it be that you are wondering why suddenly boaters need to have a Pleasure Craft Operator's Card? In North America, recreational boating is a favorite leisure activity with 7-9 million people taking to the waterways annually. Far too often, not everyone that leaves the dock on a boating expedition makes it back safely to dry land. Of the 6 thousand non-fatal accidents and 2 hundred boating fatalities that occur annually most of these could have been prevented. In recent years there has been an outcry from the general public and boaters have expressed concern that anybody regardless of age or experience may operate a watercraft.

The passage of the Pleasure Craft Operator Card regulation is an attempt to reduce the number of accidents and deaths. The goal of the program is to help boaters to evaluate their limitations and capabilities. It is to help them prepare for their journey before heading out on the water. Further more the new regulations are to encourage acting responsibly once on the water.

Under the new regulations all operators of motored powered watercraft within Canada and the USA need the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Although all boaters must have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card by September 15, 2009, some groups of boaters need their cared NOW. If you operate a motorized watercraft under 13.1 foot in length, or a PWC (i.e. jet ski, sea-doo), or if you were born aft April 1, 1983 you fall under this category. In case you think you may get out of this new regulation under a grandfather clause, with this new regulation, there is no grandfather clause. There is good news however. Once you get your card, it is good for life.

The following are websites were you can prepare for and take your Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam or Boating Certification Card:

Canada:

http://www.boaterexam.com/canada/

USA:

In the States, rules and regulations vary by state. At Boater's Education (http://www.boat-ed.com/) you can study the official safety manuals for any of 42 different state boating agencies. They provide an online boaters exam. The boating certification card that they provided is recognized by those in charge of the waterways including the Coast Guard.

Boat US Foundation for boating safety & clean water (http://www.boatus.org/) provides a free course and exam provided by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA); recognized by the US Coast Guard it is touted to exceed the minimums required for basic boat safety. Be warned that various states may have a charge associated for having this card recognized by the states. "This course meets the requirements for most operators for the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Washington DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming".

Individual rules per state can be checked at America's Boating Course (http://www.americasboatingcourse.com/abc_website/state_boating_law.htm).