	Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
	Canada's premier coastal and marine facility for teaching and research

PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operators Card) - Requirements

Transport Canada requires anyone operating a pleasure craft fitted with a motor to carry a Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC). The only exception is if a person is certified in Small Vessel Operators Proficiency (SVOP) or a higher level of Canadian marine safety training.

STUDENTS:
Students are not required to operate power boats if they don't want to. Further, some courses do not involve the use of power boats. However, for many courses it is recommended that students obtain a PCOC so they can operate boats. When they arrive at BMSC, every student in possession of a PCOC (or higher marine safety training) is training to use our power boats, and given the opportunity to practice their skills prior to being given permission to take the boats outside the inlet.

Biological Oceanography: Recommended
Limnology: Recommended
Biomechanics: Recommended
Ecology of Marine Symboses: Recommended
Terrestrial and Freshwater Conservation: Recommended
Scientific Diving: Not required
Dive Project: Recommended
Biodiversity of Seaweeds: Recommended
Science Journalism: Not required
Marine Ecology: Recommended
Scientific Filmmaking: Recommended
Models in Evolution: Not required
Crustaceans: Recommended
Invertebrate Zoology: Recommended
Temperate Rainforest Ecology: Recommended

If PCOC is recommended for your course, please try to obtain a card before coming to BMSC. Check Transport Canada's course providers database for providers in your area. If it is not possible to get a card before you arrive, we will mail you study material and you can write your PCOC exam at BMSC the Sunday night before your course starts. You must pay $35 before we will mail you study material.

SVOP: TEACHING ASSISTANTS AND INSTRUCTORS:
Transport Canada requires anyone transporting clients in boats (students at BMSC) to have Small Vessel Operators Proficiency (SVOP) certification. SVOP certification requires the following:
1) One day Marine Emergency Duties (MED) course.
2) Three day Small Vessel Operators Proficiency (SVOP) course.
3) Marine Basic First Aid course. Not all courses at BMSC require students to be transported in boats. However, when they do, SVOP certification is a requirement for TA's and is highly desirable for instructors.

Contact

University Programs Coordinator:

(250) 728-3301 ext. 216

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Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
100 Pachena Rd, Bamfield, BC
Canada, V0R 1B0
Phone: (250) 728-3301
Fax: (250) 728-3452

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