To clarify recent media reports regarding new standards for Pleasure Craft Operator Card testing we have asked John Gullick, CPS Manager of Government & Special Programmes at the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS) for a response.

Q: I hear there are a number of changes coming from Transport Canada that will affect the Pleasure Craft Operator Card programme. Is that true?

A: Yes, a number of changes have been implemented. Here are comments that were recently made by Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons’ Chief Commander Mal Blann:

“For many years CPS has promoted the need for the Pleasure Craft Operator Competency (PCOC) program to include more comprehensive information, tougher exams, a mandatory education component, and tougher controls. Transport Canada (TC) has now substantially improved the accreditation requirements for Registered Providers to include a TC approved mandatory training manual covering 257 knowledge requirements (up from 149), a National Card Database, Official Language requirements, and Quality Management System. TC is also implementing more stringent protocols for on-line testing which includes mandatory education modules based on an approved manual and new 50 question exam similar to what CPS has been using (vs. 36 previously used by other providers). Some Registered Providers are now withdrawing from the program.

PCOC is here to stay and we welcome the enhancements to the program. While the PCO Card may not be fully adequate for every recreational boater, it will be for many and will provide a good base for further education for all.”

Here is a bit more information about Mal’s comment on the more stringent on line testing protocols:

For on-line testing a person will no longer just be able to challenge a test. They will have to log on for a defined period of time and go through a series of learning modules. At the end of each module they will have to answer a short quiz which they must pass before they can go on to the next module. When they have successfully completed all the modules they can then challenge the 50 question test.

All in all a number of welcome changes.