Boating

In the interests of safety, please remember the basics:

Every boat must have a life jacket for each person on the boat. You should wear a life jacket when you are on a boat.  It is a crime to operate a boat while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

In addition there are special rules for boats that have a motor:

All boaters have to carry proof of competency to operate any type of motorboat in Canadian provinces, including a Jet Ski or a Sea-Doo.  You must carry proof of competency on board.  The most accepted proof of competency is the Canadian Coast Guard Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).   To get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card you must pass a basic boating safety test.  Canada's Office of Boating Safety  has information about accredited Boating Safety course providers who can issue Pleasure Craft Operator Cards.

Failure to carry a required proof of competency risks a fine of $250.

Non-residents must provide Canadian-issued proof of competency (eg. PCOC) or a certificate or other similar document issued by their country or state showing that they have met the boating safety requirements in their own place of residence.

There are some exceptions for non-resident boaters who operate a pleasure craft for less than 45 consecutive days in Canadian waters.

If you are a not a Canadian resident and are not sure what boating rules apply to you contact Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety, or visit their web page:  'Visitor Information - Requirements for Foreign Recreational Boaters in Canadian Waters'.

For more information about any boating rules contact Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety at www.tc.gc.ca, or call 1.800.267.6687.