BC Shellfish Growers Association

September 15th was the deadline for all boat operators (commercial or recreational) to have proof of competency to operate any boat with a motor.  You now require this to operate your boats.  The Competency of Operators Pleasure Craft Regulations require operators of motorboats to CARRY proof of competency or risk fines of up to $250.  This applies to anyone operating a boat under 4 metres long (13.1′) or to anyone born after April 1, 1983 operating any boat with a motor.  Regulations are being phased in – for more information from Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety. There are many contractors who offer boating courses and facilitation of the PCOC – BCSGA endorses the online Boater Exam company.

www.BOATEREXAM.com (click the link to go to their website) is one good option for BC shellfish growers looking to do your exam online.

• Three step process on the above website – register and pay $49.95.  If you fail, you can re-try for free.
• Exam has 36 multiple-choice questions and you need a minimum of 75% success to pass.  When you are finished, you can print a temporary card, and a permanent one will be mailed to you in about three weeks.
• The online exam does require a supervisor, strictly to ensure you don’t CHEAT!!!

Good luck, and in the interest of safety on the water, the BCSGA encourages all shellfish growers to follow all requirements, including wearing a PFD at all times.  Take care out there!

Annually, the BCSGA updates our overall guiding document, the BC Shellfish Farming Industry Strategic Plan.  In anticipation of our upcoming BCSGA Annual R&D Workshop & AGM, we recently conducted an update.  If you would like to view a copy of the PDF document, click on the image of the title page below.