Requirements

You can obtain your Canadian Coast Guard approved Boat Operator Card, bypassing a
Canadian Coast Guard approved test. You can challenge the test, study an approved book and write the test, or take an approved course and write the test. Of course, you will need to pass the test with a score of at least 75%. There are age-appropriate tests for those under 16. The Professional Association of Boating Instructors has an approved book and the approved
tests, which are available at one of our locations. There is no grandfather arrangement, regardless of your age and previous boat experience
made for the Boat Operator Card. Once you pass the test, you will receive a permanent Boat Operator Card that is valid for your
lifetime and is good anywhere in Canada. The following is a brief excerpt from PABI’s manual giving you the time frame of when you will
need to have your card. Remember that you can obtain your card before the compulsory time
frames, and the card does not expire.