Alberta has one of the most appealing locations for all boating lovers this is even though it doesn’t have a coast. If you’re a lover of adventure, then you’ll be pleased with Canadian Rockies fantastic water bodies and other land formations.
This is what brings nature lovers to Alberta including boaters who’re attracted by the continental climate which makes it a perfect location for fishing and boating or any other outdoor activity.
However, if you intend on sailing on waters in Alberta, you’ll need a boating license for your type of vessel. Therefore, if you intend on experiencing the beautiful sites of Alberta, you’ll have to make sure everything is in place as far as your boating license is concerned.
If you have a license from another U.S. or Canadian agency, then you’ll go through a simple process. If you fail to secure an Alberta boating license, you can always take a boat tour through the many rivers and lakes in Alberta.
Nevertheless, if you wish to enjoy Alberta to the fullest, it’s advisable to get a boating license.
The Three-hour Boating License Course
The boating license course comes with:
- About three hours of classroom tuition which incorporates both the novice and experienced boaters starting from 8 years old.
- An approved exam by Transport Canada at the end of the course. You can useonline material to study for the exam including live videos. This exam is timed and you don’t have to worry if you don’t pass the first time. You can always retake the exam again, but after 24 hours from the last one.
- Get your temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). After you’ve passed the Transport Canada Boating Safety test, you’ll be able to print you temporary PCOC. You can use the temporary PCOC to get on the water as soon as possible.
- Get your permanent PCOC in your mail. Three weeks after printing out your temporary PCOC, you’ll receive your permanent Alberta boating license which you can use in Alberta and other provinces.
Do You Need a PCOC?
If you have a pleasure craft, then you need to have a PCOC and not a boating license. With this card, it shows that you successfully completed a certified and approved boating education course which is mandatory for anyone operating a pleasure craft in Alberta and other provinces as well.
Can I Use the PCOC in Other Provinces?
Yes, you can. The PCOC you’ll receive after completing an approved boating education course is national. This means for you to operate a pleasure craft, a PCOC is the only card you’ll need in any other Canadian province.
In addition, you can also use a PCOC in the United States since it’s recognized by the U.S. National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the United States Coast Guard.
Conclusion
It’s important for you to take a boating education course in order to avoid frequent brushes with law enforcement. Furthermore, it’s for your own sake since you’ll be more knowledgeable when it comes to marine safety.
