Compass Revision is an independent study platform. It is not affiliated with, approved by, or endorsed by Sail Canada, Transport Canada, ISED, CanBoat, the Canadian Hydrographic Service, or the Canadian Coast Guard. These companions do not award certification, a PCOC, or an ROC(M), and do not replace recognized instruction, practical experience, or assessment.

Compass Canada

Proof of competency

A PCOC, a Basic Cruising certificate, and a Compass course are not the same thing

Direct answer

Transport Canada requires proof of competency to operate a motorized recreational boat, subject to its stated exceptions. Basic Powerboat and Basic Cruising training certificates issued by Sail Canada are currently on Transport Canada's accepted-equivalency list. Completing a Compass study companion is neither a PCOC nor a Sail Canada certificate and creates no proof of competency.

Compass completion
Not proof of competency
PCOC issue
Transport Canada-accredited route
Basic Cruising certificate
Recognized certification route only

PCOC

A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is issued after meeting the requirements of a Transport Canada-accredited course and test provider. Compass is not an accredited PCOC provider.

Basic Cruising certification

The actual certification is awarded through the recognized Sail Canada instruction and assessment route. Current Transport Canada guidance lists it as accepted proof of competency.

Compass Canada

An independent online knowledge companion. It awards no certificate, card, equivalency, practical sign-off, or legal authority.

Check the current official source before relying on an equivalency

Rules, exceptions, accepted certificates, and provider status can change. Confirm the current requirement for the boat, operator, and waters directly with Transport Canada or the responsible authority.

Prepare Basic Cruising knowledge