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)

Permit holders seeking to renew can do so online by clicking here.

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.

Powered Vessel Operator's Permit

All recreational boat operators with engine-powered vessels (whether the engine is the main power or only auxiliary) must possess a Powered Vessel Operator’s Permit from the Toronto Port Authority to navigate in the waters of the Port and Harbour of Toronto.

First-Time Applicants

If it is your first time applying for a Powered Vessel Operator’s Permit (or your permit has expired or been suspended) you will need to download an application and mail it along with your payment to the Permit Office OR drop it off in person.

If you are mailing your application, enclose a cheque or money order in the amount of $30.00 payable to the “Toronto Port Authority”. This fee covers the information materials for test preparation, testing, and a Powered Vessel Operator's Permit valid for one calendar year.

You will have to contact the Permit Office to schedule an appointment for testing.

Download the application form

Want to apply in person?

The Permit Office is located at:
Outer Harbour Marina
475 Unwin Ave.
Toronto, Ontario
M4M 3M2
Tel: 416-778-1230

From May to October: visit the Permit Office, Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.

From November to April: contact the Office via e-mail at permitinfo@torontoport.com or at 416-778-1230.

Payment can be made with VISA, MasterCard, debit, cash or cheque.

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