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Federal Boating News

September 3, 2009

New Canadian Boater Education Requirement Could
Impact U.S. Boaters

Effective September 15, 2009, Canada is requiring all operators of recreational craft in Canada obtain a "Pleasure Craft Operator Card." It may or may not apply to boaters from the United States depending on several factors:

This requirement does apply to non-residents:

• If they operate their pleasure craft in Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days
• Or if they operate a pleasure craft that is licensed or registered in Canada (including rented or chartered boats)

For non-residents who are required to comply with this requirement the following methods can be used to show proof of competency:

• A Canadian-issued pleasure craft operator card
• A completed boat rental safety check-list (for power-driven rental boats)
• An operator card or equivalent that meets the requirements of their state or country

Additional information can be found at the following web site: http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/debs/obs/quick/quick_visitor.htm

For more information on travel to and from Canada by boat, go to the following BoatU.S. web page:
Customs and U.S. Border Travel Information for Recreational Boaters