Safe Boating

Boating Safety Overview - Introduction

Note: these are only general summaries. For specific regulations please contact the Office of Boating Safety at 1 800 267-6687 or visit www.boatingsafety.gc.ca. Boaters in Canada are regulated by seven different acts, codes and regulations:

1. Canada Shipping Act,
2. Small Vessel Regulations,
3. Collision Regulations,
4. Boating Restriction Regulations,
5. Charts & Nautical Publications Regulations,
6. Criminal Code of Canada, and
7. Contraventions Act.

Canada Shipping Act

The international rules incorporated into an act governing the operation of vessels in Canadian waters.

Small Vessel Regulations

Cover safe operation of pleasure craft from construction standards and maintenance to licensing and safety equipment on board.

Collision Regulations

Deal with the safe passage of vessels. The rules and regulations cover right of way, overtaking and crossing, sound and light signals, and the use of passive radar reflectors.

Boating Restriction Regulations

Many of these are local regulations. They govern standard speed limits near shore, and regions where horsepower and vessel types are restricted.

Charts & Nautical Publications and Regulations

Pleasure craft operators must carry the latest large-scale nautical charts (not topographical maps), plus the required publications and documents for the vessel and waters where they are boating.

Criminal Code of Canada

Criminal offences include illegal alcohol consumption, unsafe and dangerous operation of a pleasure craft, interfering with navigation markers and marine signals. The Code also states boaters must stop and offer assistance after an accident, and must have designated lookout when towing water skiers, etc.

Contraventions Act

Some boating offences have been removed from the Criminal Code of Canada and now fall under the Contraventions Act. All enforcement agencies can write tickets for equipment and operation infractions.

Capacity Plate and Standards Decal

All boats under six meters (20 feet) powered by a 7.5 kW (10 HP) engine or greater must have a Standards Decal and Capacity Plate or a Combined Capacity/Construction Plate permanently attached. Home built boats are also included. The plate indicates the recommended gross load that the hull can safely carry and the maximum recommended power.

License and Registration

All boats powered by a 7.5 kW (10 HP) engine or greater must be licensed. Personal watercraft are classified as boats. Licenses are available at Customs Canada offices and must be obtained by the boat’s owner. License papers are carried in a waterproof container in the boat and specific rules cover the way the license is displayed for visibility:

1. At the bow, port and starboard side
2. Block font (not script or italic) at least 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) tall
3. License colour contrasts with the boat hull

Vessels greater than 15 tons have a more involved registration process. Other vessels may be registered if the owner desires.