Deadline for Boaters Card Near

It will soon become law for all people driving a powered recreational vessel to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

The federal legislation takes effect on September 15.

Boat Smart Canada is the organization offering the exam for the card, and President Cameron Taylor says there are still a few boaters who haven't taken the test.

"There's about 1.5 million Canadians who've currently have obtained their card," says Taylor. "There another 6.5 million Canadians left to get their card. There is quite a strong demand for acquiring the card. Some boaters may be leaving it until the spring of 2010, but getting caught without a card can face a fine of $250.00"

Those who don't have the card can write the test at Pinewood Sports today and tomorrow.