Sparrow Lake Association

Don't get caught this summer without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card

You or your children can be fined $250 without one !!

The law now requires that all operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes to have proof of competency on board at all times. This is called the "Pleasure Craft Operator Card" or PCO. The requirements for and FAQ about the PCO can be found on the Transport Canada website at Marine Safety The course and exam for obtaining a PCO can be taken at BoaterExam.com, a supporter of the SLA regatta. A list of other course providers can also be found on the Transport Canada site. The course involves answering 36 multiple choice questions and getting 75% correct (27/36) to pass. A course study guide is provided, and re-tries are free.

The SLA asks that all members and their children who don't already have their PCO card to take a course and get certified asap. Not only will you refresh your own boating safety skills, or help instil these skills in your children, you will also help ensure that we maintain a safe environment on our waterways.

SLA TIP: Make a photocopy of your licence, and the licence of any other family member(s) who may drive the boat(s), and keep a copy in each boat. It may save you $250!

For more info on Boating Fines

Current fines for some common boating offences are:

• Operating a vessel in a careless manner - $250
• Speeding - $100
• Underage operation of a personal watercraft - $100
• Operating a power-driven pleasure craft without the required Pleasure Craft Operator Card - $250
• Insufficient number of approved, appropriately sized flotation devices - $200 for each absent device
• Allowing someone under age to operate a boat - $250
• Operating a boat without a working muffle in good condition - $100
• Towing someone without a spotter - $100

Note: the "horsepower restriction" for children is a separate issue, and the current rules are noted below. Any operator, including a "child" must have a PCO card.

Age - Power Restrictions

Under 12 years of age, and not directly supervised Can operate vessels with under 10 hp

Between 12 years and under 16 years of age, and not directly supervised Can operate vessels with under 40 hp

Under 16 years of age Not allowed to operate a PWC

16 years of age and over No power restrictions