Do You Need a Boat Licence in Manitoba?

Boating rules in Manitoba come from Transport Canada, not the province. There are two separate documents: one for the operator and one for the boat. Here is what each one is and how to get it.

1. The operator: Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)

Transport Canada says anyone who operates a recreational boat with a motor needs proof of competency. That includes electric trolling motors, and it applies even when the motor is off.

The most common proof is the PCOC. You get it by passing a boating safety test from a course provider accredited by Transport Canada. Courses run in a classroom or online.

• The card is valid for life.
• Fees are set by the course provider. The Government of Canada does not collect them.
• A paper or electronic copy of the card is not accepted. Carry the card.
• Lost it? Request a replacement from your course provider. Transport Canada has a Course Provider Lookup tool if you forget who issued it.

Other accepted proof includes a Canadian boating course certificate from before April 1, 1999, and a completed Rental Boat Safety Checklist, which is good only for the rental.

Youth age and horsepower limits

Without direct supervision by someone 16 or older in the boat:

• Under 12: motors up to 10 hp (7.5 kW)
• 12 to 15: motors up to 40 hp (30 kW)
• Under 16: no personal watercraft, even with supervision

2. The boat: Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL)

A recreational boat needs a PCL if it has one or more engines totalling at least 10 hp (7.5 kW) and is mostly used and kept in Canadian waters. The licence number goes on both sides of the bow. It identifies the boat. It is not proof of ownership.

Transport Canada changed the PCL as of December 31, 2025:

• New, renewed and transferred licences are valid for 5 years.
• A $24 service fee applies to new, renewed, transferred or duplicate licences. Transport Canada says the fee is updated yearly for inflation.
• Older licences with no expiry date now have one. Licences issued from January 1, 1975 to December 31, 1985 expire December 31, 2026.
• You must update your name or address within 30 days of a change.

Transport Canada lists a possible $250 fine for a boat without a valid licence. Apply or renew on the Transport Canada PCL page.

Buying a boat from us

When you take delivery, the boat needs a PCL in your name before it goes on the water, and the operator needs proof of competency. Ask our sales team what paperwork to bring when you pick up.

See new and used boats on our boats for sale in Winnipeg page, or our Kenora boats page. Call 204 987-5640 to book a time to look.

Common questions

Is there a minimum age for a PCOC?

Transport Canada's horsepower limits apply to youth under 16. Check the PCOC FAQ for current details.

Do I need a PCOC for a canoe or kayak?

No. Transport Canada says the competency rules apply only to boats fitted with a motor.

Visiting from outside Canada?

Transport Canada says the competency rules do not apply to non-residents operating their own foreign-licensed boat in Canada for less than 45 consecutive days. They do apply on rented boats.

Related pages

• Boats for Sale in Winnipeg
• Manitoba Fishing Licence Guide
• Boat Storage and Winterization

Come see us in Winnipeg

WSL Sport & Leisure, 1272 Dugald Rd, Winnipeg, MB R2J 0H2. Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, closed Sunday. Call 204 987-5640, toll free 1 855 543-2167, or send us a message.