FAQ

Lost your VHF or Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

 -I took my VHF Radio Exam years ago and have since lost my licence. Do I have to take the test again to be re-certified?

Not necessarily. If you took your exam anywhere in Canada within the age of at least microfiche technology, Industry Canada’s central registry branch in Ottawa can probably track your original licence. They will require your birth date and the exact name you used on your original application. The central registry’s number in Ottawa is (613) 998-3693.

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-How do I replace my lost Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

While Transport Canada administers the regulations - all cards are issued by private sector organizations referred to as “Course Providers”. Here are a few tips to getting a card replacement:

• First, contact the accredited course provider that originally issued the card. A complete list of Course Providers is available on this website.
• Second, if you can't remember the name of the course provider that originally issued your card there are a few things to do to help to remember:
• Did you take the test with a family member or friend? If so, check with them as the name of the course provider will be on their card.
• Did you keep a copy of your receipt or the letter that came in the mail with your card attached to it? The course provider’s name is included on both of these documents – and…
• Most importantly, Transport Canada recommends that all boaters make a copy of their card upon receiving it.  This will eliminate doing any research in order to get a replacement card. It’s the simplest and most effective way to get your card replaced!   
• Transport Canada web site

- If I rent a boat, do I need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
If you rent a boat and it is your motor, you must have your card in your possession.
If you rent a boat and it comes with a motor, you have to fill out a "verification list", from the rentor, for the duration of the rental. The rentor should have this list on hand. If not,Click here, and print out the last three pages.


-How do I become a member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary?

There are two main categories of CCGA membership: Search and Rescue (SAR) duties and Boating safety activities. All members are required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Card, And be willing to be trained for  Standard First Aid training with CPR Level C, and Restricted Radio Operator Certification.

Members interested in volunteering as SAR crew must also have boating experience, be able to meet the physical conditions of long hours on the water in rough conditions  and live within a 15 minute call-out range from a dock or marina. E-mail unit 43 for more information on how to join.

-How much time would be required of me?

The call rotation is based on how many people are in your unit. If you feel you are interested enough to call for more information, this would be a question to ask the unit leader of the unit you'd belong to. Boating safety events are more concentrated during the summer months, but SAR incidents happen all year, so it will also depend on how you want to volunteer.

-Do I have to have a boat to join?

No, some units have their own vessels, some use "owner/operator" vessels and a couple of units use Coast Guard loaned vessels. If you do have a vessel that you'd like to be able to use, you would have to consult your unit leader and the CCGA-P Director of Search and Rescue to see whether another SAR resource is required in your area, and whether your vessel would be an appropriate resource for the area.

-Can I be involved without having to be on call?
            Yes, there are units specifically dedicated to boating safety education such as visiting schools,    setting up mall displays, and performing pleasure craft courtesy checks for the owners of pleasure craft. Units that combine SAR and Boating Safety activities almost always need and appreciate having more hands around to help with administrative and educational tasks. As well, some units have societies attached to them. These societies are active in fundraising and other events. It is possible that you could be involved in that capacity.

-How old do I have to be to join?
      General Membership: over 19 years


-I have a boat that I'd like to lend for use in SAR activities. Can this be done?To answer this question, you will have to consult your Unit Leader and the CCGA-P Director of Search and Rescue to see whether another SAR resource is required in your area, and whether your vessel would be an appropriate resource for the area. In most cases, sailing vessels would not be acceptable as SAR resources. You would be required to join as a regular member in order to offer the services of your vessel.