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LEGAL INFORMATION TOPICS

The law doesn’t take a vacation when it comes to boater safety. 

Every year over 100 people drown while boating, and this doesn’t include non-fatal accidents.* 
There are laws that seek to ensure boater safety.

If you operate a powered watercraft such as a boat or Seadoo, you must carry proof of competency such as a boating safety course taken in Canada before April 1, 1999 or a Pleasure Craft Operator Card if you:

• operate a powered watercraft under 4 meters (13.1 feet) in length (such as a Seadoo, boat or jet ski); or
• operate any powered watercraft and you were born after April 1, 1983.

As of September 15, 2009, all boaters will be required to carry proof of competency in order to operate a powered watercraft.  There is no grandfather clause or age exemption – this law will apply to all boaters, even if the boat belongs to a friend or neighbour. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card may also make you eligible for a reduction in marine insurance.  Check with your insurance company to see if this applies to you.  The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life, and is recognized across Canada.  If you plan on boating this summer, go to Canada’s Office of Boating Safety for information on how to get this Card. 

If you have out-of-town friends or family visiting, federal regulations have exceptions for non-residents of Canada.  Non-residents do not need proof of competency if the pleasure craft is in Canada for less than 45 days, or if they have a boat safety knowledge certificate from their home state or country.  They must carry proof of residency. Click here for more information for visitors to Nova Scotia.

If you are under the age of 16 there are special restrictions:

• You are not allowed to operate any personal watercraft (such as a sea-doo) even if you are supervised
• If you are 12 years of age you may operate a motor-propelled pleasure craft if it has up to 7.5 kW (10 hp) and you must be supervised by a person 16 years of age or older
• If you are between 12 and 16 years of age, you may operate a motor-propelled pleasure craft with no more than 40hp (30kW) without direct supervision by a person 16 years of age or older.

Finally, remember the rules of the water.  You must have a lifejacket onboard for each person on the boat. You may not operate the boat while impaired by drugs or alcohol.  You can go to http://www.tc.gc.ca/BoatingSafety/ to learn more, but here are the fines for common boating offences:

• Operating a vessel in a careless manner - $250
• Speeding - $100
• Underage operation of a personal watercraft - $100
• Operating a power-driven pleasure craft without the required Pleasure Craft Operator Card - $250
• Insufficient number of approved, appropriately sized flotation devices - $200 for each absent device.