ADVISORY: New and Existing Permit Holders

Updated May 25, 2022

The Permit Office has re-opened at the Outer Harbour Marina and testing will be resuming on May 26, 2022.

For new permit applicants, you can call the Permit Office to schedule a testing appointment.

Those who obtained their permits over the phone during 2020 and 2021, your Permit is good until Sept 1, 2022. However before you can renew your Permit, you are required to complete the in-person test. Therefore please call to schedule your testing appointment before Sept 1.

Testing appointments can be made by calling 416-778-1230 Monday-Friday from 8:00a.m. to 3:30p.m. Appointments are available on Thursdays til October. During the early part of the summer, Fridays and Saturdays are also available. Those testing on Saturdays must pay when scheduling their appointment.

The fee for new applicants is $30 which also includes your first year.

Those applicants from 2020 and 2021 completing their in-person test, you are just responsible for your annual renewal fee ($20 / year).

Once you have booked your testing appointment, you will be sent a confirmation email which will also include your study materials, the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide and the Practises and Procedures of the Toronto Port Authority.

The in-person test is a 2 hour test

  • a 45 minute lecture
  • a short multi-choice question quiz
  • then a practical test where we provide a small Boston Whaler to ensure that you understand and can perform the man-overboard rescue situation.

The lecture and test will be based primarily on the lecture with materials from the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide and the Practises and Procedures of the Toronto Port Authority.

Here are a number of things to remember please:

  • you must bring your PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card)
  • in-person testing is held at the Outer Harbour Marina, 475 Unwin Ave (bottom of Leslie St)
  • the nearest TTC bus stop is a good 20-25 min walk to the Outer Harbour Marina
  • turn left just before the Security Gatehouse and park in one of the available spaces
  • the testing location is the office trailer on the left
  • in-person testing is rain or shine (if raining, bring a jacket)
  • if you are feeling unwell, please stay home
  • please arrive 15 min early to check in (testing will start on time)

For more information or assistance, please contact the Permit Office at 416-778-1230. Office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Permits and Authorizations

PortsToronto is responsible for the Port and Harbour of Toronto. PortsToronto is also responsible for facilitating the safe, shared use of the harbour and ensuring safe navigation.

As part of its stewardship of the harbour, PortsToronto issues Toronto Port Authority permits to boaters and provides authorizations for activities that occur in, on, over, under, through or across the waters in its jurisdiction.

Powered Vessel Operator's Permits

Recreational boaters operating a powered vessel within the Port and Harbour of Toronto must be in possession of BOTH a Powered Vessel Operator's Permit and a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

Please visit the Powered Vessel Operator's Permit page for more information.

Harbour Master Authorizations

The Toronto Port Authority grants Harbour Master Authorizations to facilitate safe navigation and monitor construction and marine activities in and around the harbour. Under Sections 23, 25 and 27 and Schedule 1, Part 15 of the Port Authorities Operations Regulations of the Canada Marine Act, various activities in the Port and Harbour of Toronto are prohibited unless a Harbour Master Authorization is issued for the activity before it occurs, including:

  • Marine events
  • Construction
  • Diving
  • Filming

Please visit the Harbour Master Authorizations section and the Port Authorities Operations Regulations  for more information.

Boaters Notice

PortsToronto is responsible for keeping the Toronto Harbour safe and navigable. See Boater’s Notices about everything from swimming in the harbour to obtaining permission for a marine event.

Do you have one?

A Power Vessel Operator’s Permit is required to operate a powered vessel in the Port and Harbour of Toronto.

Get permit