There is now a new process to get your boater’s license.
New standardized test questions require boaters to complete a four to five hour online course prior to taking the final exam.
President of BoatSmart Canada, Cameron Taylor, says the new system is not necessarily in response to recent water related fatalities as this new process has been on the drawing board for some time.
He adds this is the first summer all boaters are required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card and there are no exceptions.
Taylor says you will need a card regardless of age or the size of the craft.
You do face a sizeable fine should you find yourself pulled over by the OPP Marine Patrol and you don’t have your operator’s card with you.
Taylor says the fine can be up to 250 dollars.
You can even be fined if you lend your boat to someone else who doesn’t have an valid operator’s card.
