6 Million Canadians Still Without Operator Card
TORONTO, May 17 /CNW Telbec/ - As Victoria Day long weekend and the unofficial kickoff to summer quickly approaches there are still 6 million Canadians without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, commonly referred to as a "boating licence". Summer 2010 marks the first-ever boating season where ALL Canadian boat operators, regardless of age, must be certified and those without an Operator Card risk expensive fines.
"May 22-28 is North American Boating Safety Awareness Week and part of maintaining best practices when on the water is to be carded - in fact it's the law," said Robert Dupel, spokesperson for BoaterExam.com.
The law, as part of a 10-year federal law phase-in period, will see non-compliant boaters receive fines of no less than $250 across Ontario's lakes, rivers and waterways. Boat operators must have a card regardless of size of motor including for example an electric motor on a canoe.
With time running out for many who plan to launch their boats on the May 24th weekend, there is still an opportunity to learn about boating safety and become certified before hitting the water. BoaterExam.com is a Transport Canada Accredited Course Provider offering the Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam online and is a convenient way to get certified quickly and efficiently.
To obtain the card boaters must receive a grade of 75% or higher on a 36-question, multiple-choice exam after which time a temporary card can be printed with the permanent card mailed shortly after. For those wanting to learn from an instructor, BoaterExam.com offers a safe boating classroom course as well.
"It's imperative that Canada's boaters know the legal requirement for being certified when on the water this season," said Robert Dupel, spokesperson for BoaterExam.com. "With the water levels at record lows in the province, now more than ever boaters need to know and practise safe boating on the water this season."
BoaterExam.com is Canada's largest course provider offering boaters a number of ways to become certified: online, in class or at testing centres such as Bass Pro Shops in Toronto seven days per week all summer, and in English and French. For more information visit: www.BoaterExam.com or call their Boating Safety Info Line toll-free at: 1-866-688-2628 from 9 a.m. to midnight EST daily.
For further information: an in-water safe boating demonstration or request for interview, contact Andrea Lukac at PUNCH Canada: (416) 360-6522 x283, [email protected]; Jessica Patriquin at PUNCH Canada: (416) 360-6522 x245, [email protected] or Robert Dupel at 1-866-688-2628, Phone: 1-877-722-8838 x249, [email protected]
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