Office of Boating Safety - The Safe Boating Guide

• Introduction

• Your legal responsibilities
• Age and Horsepower Restrictions
• Operator Competency Requirements
• Boating and alcohol
• Enforcement of the law
• Your personal safety
• Before setting out
• Responsible operation of your boat
• What to do in an emergency

• What has changed?
• Minimum Required Equipment
  • Sailboard
  • Paddleboats and Watercycles (under 6 M in length)
  • Canoes, Kayaks, Rowboats and Rowing Shells (not over 6 M in length)
  • Unpowered Pleasure Craft (not over 6M in length)
  • Personal Watercraft
  • Powered Pleasure Craft (not over 6 M in length)
  • Powered Pleasure Craft (over 6M in length but not over 8 M in length)
  • Pleasure Craft (over 8M in length but not over 12 M in length) (including unpowered craft)
  • Pleasure Craft (over 12M in length but not over 20 M in length) (including unpowered craft)
• Specific requirements for boats involved in competition
• Personal Protection Equipment
  • Personal flotation devices and lifejackets
  • Boat safety equipment
  • Distress equipment
  • Navigation equipment
  • Other suggested items to take along
  • Engine noise and fueling safety
  • Licensing, registration and identification/markings
  • Compliance plates/labels

Safe Waterways

• The laws governing safe enjoyment of Canadian waters
  • Operating Rules
  • Safe Speed
  • Boating Restriction Regulations
  • Waterskiing and other towing activities
  • Diving operations
• The Canadian Aids to Navigation System
  • Lateral buoys
  • Standard daybeacons
  • Cardinal buoys
  • Special buoys
• Protecting the aquatic environment - Your responsibility
• Your safety in Historic Canals and Locks

• Where to go for general safe boating information

• 1-800-267-6687 (in Canada only)
• 1-613-991-9002 (outside Canada)
• Electronic Mail: obs-bsn@tc.gc.ca