Canadian boaters on license deadline

OTTAWA, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Some 10 million recreational boaters in Canada were reminded Tuesday they need to obtain a national operator's card or face fines.

The Transport Canada agency set Sept. 15 as the deadline for boaters to get their Pleasure Craft Operator Card or face a $250 fine.

The majority of boaters are using the www.boaterexam.com Web site to take the test of 36 multiple-choice questions, the contracted company said in a release.

Applicants must correctly answer at least 75 percent of the questions correctly to get their card, which is good for life. Those who fail can return to the site the next day to try again for the one-time fee of $49.95.

Company spokesman Robert Dupel said procrastinating could lead to more bother in the future.

"We are encouraging boaters to get certified now so they are legal, but also so they avoid paying more in the future as the price will likely increase," he said. "There's also a good chance the exam becomes more complicated."