Licensing & Safety Courses

Before heading out on the water, ensure you have the certifications required to operate safely and legally. Our Licensing & Safety programs provide the essential knowledge and credentials every boater needs — from federal requirements like the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) and VHF-DSC Radio License, to local certifications such as the Toronto Harbour License (PVOP), and essential emergency training with First Aid & CPR (Basic Life Support).

These courses are designed for both new and experienced boaters, combining expert instruction, practical training, and nationally recognized certifications. Together, they form a complete foundation for safe, confident, and compliant boating on Toronto’s busy waterways and beyond

First Aid & CPR (Basic Life Support)

$160
Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Be prepared to respond to emergencies both on and off the water. This Basic Life Support: CPR and First Aid V3.0 course provides comprehensive training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) — with an introduction on CPR in aquatic environments, making it ideal for boaters and water-sport professionals.

Course Details:

  • Cost: $160 (includes certification and training materials)

  • Schedule: Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Format: Combination of online eLearning (approx. 3 hours) and in-person practical training

  • Prerequisite: None — open to all skill levels

  • Certification: Valid for 2 years, recognized by Transport Canada and major First Aid agencies

Course Highlights:

  • Comprehensive First Aid, CPR, and AED instruction (equivalent to Red Cross and other national standards

  • Hands-on practice with professional-grade equipment, including:

    • 5 CPR mannequins (1 male adult, 1 female adult, 1 adolescent, and 2 infants)

    • AED simulators and complete first aid kits

  • Small-group, interactive learning environment

Students complete the eLearning module prior to the in-person session. The eLearning link will be provided after registration.

2026 Course Dates

Saturday 10am–4pm    

23A Apr 18  

23D Oct 24  

eLearning module to be completed prior to class; link provided after registration.

VHF-DSC Radio License

6 Hours / $225

Learn to confidently communicate using VHF marine radios with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and earn your Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Maritime) – ROC-M, the federally required license for all marine radio operators in Canada.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 6 hours (classroom-based with verbal exam)

  • Cost: $225 (includes all materials and exam fee)

  • Certification: Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Maritime) – ROC-M

  • Issued by: Canadian Power and Sail Squadron (CPS-ECP)

  • Prerequisite: None (recommended for all power and sail operators)

Course Highlights:

  • Correct radio procedures and emergency communication protocols

  • Use of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and distress alerting features

  • Understanding marine channel usage, phonetic alphabet, and call signs

  • Hands-on practice using simulated VHF-DSC radio equipment

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive your ROC-M license, issued by the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron and valid for life

2026 Course Dates

Monday and Thursday 6pm–9pm    

22A Apr 20, 23 

22B May 11, 14 

22C Sept 21, 24 

22D Oct 5, 8 

3 Hours / $160

To operate any power-driven vessel within Toronto Harbour, a valid Harbour License (PVOP) issued by the Toronto Port Authority is required. This certification ensures boaters understand local navigation rules, safety requirements, and operating procedures specific to the busy Toronto Harbour.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 3 hours (includes written and practical test)

  • Cost: $160 (includes all materials and testing fees)

  • Prerequisite: Previous powerboating experience is recommended

  • Certification: Power Vessel Operator’s Permit (PVOP)

Course Highlights:

  • Local navigation rules and regulations specific to Toronto Harbour

  • Understanding port boundaries, restricted zones, and speed limits

  • Safe operating practices in high-traffic areas

  • On-water practical test to demonstrate vessel handling skills

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive your Power Vessel Operator’s Permit, allowing you to legally operate a power-driven vessel within Toronto Harbour.

Toronto Harbour License / Power Vessel Operator’s Permit (PVOP)

2026 Course Dates

Thursday 6-9pm 

21A May 7 

21B May 21 

21C Jun 11 

21D Jul 2 

21E Aug 20  

Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC)

Exam Only — 2 Hours
$55 | $45 for THNC students and members

All operators of any power-driven vessel — including personal watercraft (PWCs) — are required by federal law to hold a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). This certification confirms your understanding of safe boating practices and is valid for life.

Course Details:

  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours (exam only)

  • Cost: $55 (or $45 for THNC students and members)

  • Textbooks: Available for an additional cost

  • Exam Availability: Write the exam anytime our office is open

How to Register:
Contact our office at (416) 203-3000 or email thncinfo@torontoharbournauticalcentre.com to arrange your exam time.
You can also visit us at 275 Queens Quay West and pay conveniently online.

Important Information:

  • Once obtained, your PCOC must be carried at all times when operating a power-driven vessel or a sailboat with an engine — similar to a driver’s license.

  • If you’re renting a powerboat from THNC, a Rental Boat Safety Checklist must be completed before departure.

  • If you’ve completed Sail Canada Basic Cruising or Basic Power, your signed logbook serves as an equivalent to the PCOC and must be carried on the water.

  • Already certified through one of these programs but want a physical PCOC? You can purchase the card for $25 — no exam required!

Licensing Package Deal

$395 (includes PCOC Exam, Toronto Harbour License, and VHF-DSC Radio License)

Save on essential certifications with our Licensing Package Deal — the perfect option for new boaters or anyone looking to complete all required licensing in one go. This discounted bundle includes the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) exam, the Toronto Harbour License (PVOP) course, and the VHF-DSC Radio License (ROC-M) course.

Package Includes:

  • Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) — exam only

  • Toronto Harbour License / Power Vessel Operator’s Permit (PVOP)

  • VHF-DSC Radio License (ROC-M)

Course Details:

  • Total Cost: $395 (save when purchasing as a package)

  • Scheduling: Choose your Toronto Harbour License and VHF-DSC course dates at the time of purchase

  • Registration: Contact us at (416) 203-3000 or email thncinfo@torontoharbournauticalcentre.com to purchase the package or arrange your PCOC exam time

  • Location: Toronto Harbour Nautical Centre, 275 Queens Quay West

This all-in-one package provides the knowledge, skills, and certifications required to operate safely and confidently on Toronto’s waterways.