The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS) has announced the launch of its online self study version of the Boating Basics course. This comprehensive CPS Boating Safety online study guide is approved by Transport Canada for candidates to the online version of the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) Boating Safety exam.  

Upon successful completion of the online course, candidates are invited to proceed to the Transport Canada online Boating Safety Exam. Boating Basics will continue to be offered by CPS through its Squadrons and Recognized Providers across Canada as a stand alone classroom course or as part of the CPS Boating Course, both leading to obtaining a PCOC. Candidates who want to challenge the exam and classroom students can only write the classroom exam.

CPS, the recognized leader in recreational boating education in Canada, offers a comprehensive portfolio of classroom courses for pleasure craft operators on sailing, boat safety, navigation and vessel-handling techniques marine weather, communications and electronic navigation through instructors who are members themselves.

“CPS has been at the forefront of the technology wave by educating boaters in using modern navigation tools,” comments CPS Executive Director Alain Brière. “For CPS, offering boating safety courses online is a natural next step. Online education will allow CPS to continue to reach and educate new generation of boaters that are computer savvy and boaters in remote areas.”

Boating Basics provides additional safety lessons that go beyond the minimum requirements of basic boating safety knowledge set out by Transport Canada. At the present time, Boating Basics is the only Canadian PCOC course approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in the United States and recognized by the United States Coats Guard.

A one year complimentary CPS Associate membership is offered to all successful Boating Basics candidates giving them access to a comprehensive package of CPS member benefits.

CPS is proud of its partnership with Yardstick Software, Oasis Computing, and Sage New Media who contributed their technological and artistic knowhow to make this online course a reality.

CPS-ECP is a volunteer driven non-profit organization founded in 1938 with a longstanding reputation for high-quality education, safety publications and other resources available to its membership. With more than 30,000 members in 160 communities across Canada, members have access to a huge network of new friends, educators and enthusiasts, all of whom recognize that CPS-ECP is the established leader and trend setter for recreational boating in this country. For more information please visit cpsboat.ca/card.html.