Do I need a boating license for my dingy and 4hp motor?

[69fish69]

Hi - I have a 4hp motor and dingy that I use for fishing - I am located in BC, Canada. Just wondering does anyone know if I need to have a boating license? Thanks

[JimW]

Hi - I have a 4hp motor and dingy that I use for fishing - I am located in BC, Canada. Just wondering does anyone know if I need to have a boating license? Thanks

Yes you need a Pleasure Craft Operators Card for a boat with any kind of motor. Below is the text from Transport Canada website, and welcome to Fish-Hawk.net.


In Canada, if you operate a boat with a motor and use it for recreation, you need proof of competency — something that shows you have a basic understanding of how to operate your boat safely and know what to do in an emergency. Proof of competency is required with all motor types (including electric trolling motors) and even when the motor is not in use (such as when sailing).

A variety of documents may serve as proof of competency:

Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
Note: A paper or electronic copy of a PCOC is NOT acceptable.
Certificate from a Canadian boating safety course completed before April 1, 1999 (when the current regulation came into effect)

[69fish69]

Thats great Jim. Thanks for all the info and thanks for the warm welcome

[JimW]

Thats great Jim. Thanks for all the info and thanks for the warm welcome

No problem. Would love to see some BC fishing reports posted. I was sturgeon fishing the Fraser river back in August.... amazing!!