What do I need to operate a boat in Ontario?
If your boat is not owned outright, your lender will require you to insure it. Additionally, in order to operate a boat you must have a Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC). A boat insurance claim will not be accepted if the operator of the boat does not have their PCOC.
There are a number of coverage options you can purchase for your boat:
Personal Water Craft (PWC) Insurance
Covers your PWC for acts of vandalism, theft, collision, fire, lightning, storm or vermin damage.
Environmental/Spillage Insurance
In the event that your vessel sinks, leaks, or spills foreign fluids as a result of an accident, you are insured for the necessary clean up/damages.
Uninsured Boater Insurance
If your boat is an accident with another boat that is uninsured, you will be covered.
Emergency Towing
Covers you in the event you are in need of a tow.
Ingestion of Motor Insurance
If your boat motor ingests an object (such as a rope or weeds) that causes the motor to stop working, you will be covered under this policy.
Boat Dock Insurance
You require boat dock insurance if you are building a new dock, expanding an existing dock, or have a seasonal dock. Note: All new docks being built must be approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) if they encompass in excess of 15 square feet of the land that naturally touches the water.