BOATsmart! Canada and the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) have joined forces in hopes of increasing the number of licensed boaters on the water in cottage country.

The new partnership provides several incentives for FOCA members. Associations and individuals who belong to FOCA can be accredited to certify fellow boaters on their lake by offering the official PCOC exam and Safe Boating Course. An association can also opt to host a BOATsmart! Safe Boating Team, who will educate boaters and offer the PCOC Exam on-site. As well, FOCA members get an exclusive $10 discount if they complete their exam online at www.BoatSmartExam.com.

Although the fall deadline has passed, there are still millions of Ontario boaters who have not yet obtained their PCOC. Boaters caught without the card will face a minimum $250 fine. While cottagers are encouraged to obtain the card for their own use, guests, youths and renters also require the card when operating powered vessels.

FOCA is encouraging all cottagers to get their card before the 2010 cottage season. To obtain a PCOC, an individual must achieve a mark of at least 75 per cent on a Transport Canada accredited exam, such as that offered by BOATsmart! Canada (www.BoatSmartExam.com).