PLEASURE CRAFT 
REQUIREMENTS AND SAFETY INFORMATION

A pleasure craft is a vessel used solely for pleasure, as opposed to commercial or non-pleasure use.

Under the Canada Shipping Act regulations, all pleasure craft operators must meet specific requirements regarding licensing and registration, operator competency, safety equipment, and boating operations and practices. These regulations include: the Boating Restriction Regulations, the Collision Regulations, the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations, the Pleasure Craft Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulations and the Small Vessel Regulations.

Below is general information on the rules, regulations and safe practices that you should be aware of before setting out on the water.

Documents
Licensing and registration
Transfer of ownership
Documents specific to your boat
Proof of competency

Tools and equipment
Sail plan
Marine charts
Safety equipment
Communications equipment

Operating rules and tips
Age restrictions
Alcohol restrictions
Carbon Monoxide hazards
Pollution/sewage restrictions
Responsible boating
Speed restrictions

Foreign boaters

More information on pleasure craft requirements

Commercial and non-pleasure craft

DOCUMENTS YOU MAY NEED TO CARRY

Licensing and registration
All pleasure craft under 15 gross tons (under 12 meters in length) and powered by an engine or engines of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more in total must be licensed or registered, regardless of where they operate in Canada.

All pleasure craft of 15 gross tons or more (12 meters in length or over) must be registered, a different process than licensing. They carry a name, rather than a licence number.

Licensing is free of charge and offered through the Canada Border Services Agency (Refer to the blue pages in your telephone directory to obtain the telephone number of the office nearest you). Registration services are provided by Transport Canada's Office of Ship Registration. Call toll-free 1-877-242-8770 or visit the Office of Ship Registrations website.

Transfer of ownership
When you transfer ownership of your pleasure craft, follow the instructions on the reverse side of your Pleasure Craft Licence, complete the information required and give it to the new owner. With this completed transfer form, the new owner should contact the nearest Canada Border Services Agency office for additional information. Refer to the blue pages of your telephone directory to obtain the telephone number for the office nearest you.

Documents specific to your boat
All pleasure craft must carry certain documents on board, at all times, based on the date they were built or imported, their size, and other factors. Examples of such documents include:

Original licence
All pleasure craft under 15 gross tons (under 12 meters in length) and powered by an engine or engines of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more in total must be licensed or registered, regardless of where they operate in Canada. Licences are issued by the Canada Border Services Agency. The white copy of the licence must be carried on board the pleasure craft at all times.

Licence number
The Pleasure Craft Licence number must be displayed above the water line, on both sides of the bow, in block characters not less than 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) high, and in contrasting colour to the vessel colour.

Hull Identification Number
A Hull Identification Number is required for all pleasure craft manufactured or imported in Canada after August 1, 1981. The number is provided by the manufacturer, or Transport Canada for home built vessels.

Safety Compliance Notice
All pleasure craft are required to carry a safety compliance notice consisting of a Capacity Label, Conformity Label, or Single Vessel Label, depending on the vessel type and age. These documents are issued by Transport Canada. For additional information, call the Boating Safety Infoline at
1-800-267-6687, or visit the Office of Boating Safety website.

Proof of competency
In order to increase the awareness of safe boating practices and to reduce boating-related deaths and injuries, the Government of Canada in 1999, introduced a requirement for all pleasure craft operators to demonstrate their knowledge of basic boating safety laws, much like what is required in order to drive a car.

Everyone born after April 1, 1983 who operates a recreational vessel fitted with a motor, and all operators of vessels fitted with a motor and less than four meters (13.12 feet) in length, are required to have proof of competency on board at all times. All other persons who operate pleasure craft of any size fitted with a motor will have to carry proof of competency as of September 15, 2009. Proof of competency can take one of three forms:

• proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999;
• a Pleasure Craft Operator Card issued following the successful completion of an accredited test; or
• a completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats, valid for the rental period).

Transport Canada strongly recommends that all boaters take a safe boating course prior to completing the test (whether they are required to carry their proof of competency at this time or not). These courses cover a full range of boating information such as minimum safety equipment required on board your boat, the Canadian Aids to Navigation System, how to share waterways, pertinent regulations, and how to respond in an emergency situation. Once a pass mark of 75 per cent has been achieved, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is issued. The card is valid for life.

For more information on the operator competency card, refer to the Backgrounder and FAQs posted on the Office of Boating Safety website, or call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687. 

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Sail plan
A sail plan is a voyage itinerary that includes information on the route and basic details of the vessel. Sail plans are also referred to as "trip" or "float" plans. No matter what you call them, all small boat operators, even for day trips, are encouraged to file one with a responsible person before heading out. The person holding your sail plan should be instructed to contact the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre if you are overdue.

If you cannot file a plan with a responsible person, you can file it with any Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre by telephone, radio or in person. Be sure to deactivate the sail plan by reporting that you have returned or completed your trip to avoid launching an unwarranted search for you.

Marine charts
Recreational boating is a popular pastime. Approximately one in six households owns at least one boat, whether it is a sailing or fishing boat, outboard motor boat, rowboat or canoe. The Canadian Hydrographic Service has developed special nautical charts exclusively for recreational boaters. These charts will help you to determine whether you will encounter any overhead obstacles, bridges or underwater cables in the area where you will be boating.

Marine charts have many benefits such as increasing safety, decreasing the possibilities of grounding and damaging your boat, and reducing possible damage to the environment. For more information on marine charts, visit http://www.charts.gc.ca/chs/ or contact the nearest Department of Fisheries and Oceans' Canadian Hydrographic Service office nearest you (telephone numbers listed below). You are also encouraged to visit www.notmar.com for Notices to Mariners and other marine publications.

Safety equipment
Safe, responsible operation is key to enjoyable pleasure boating. The right safety equipment provides peace of mind and, if something goes wrong, it may save a life. All pleasure craft must meet minimum safety equipment requirements, which may vary by vessel length. There may be additional items you will want to take depending on your pleasure craft, type of activities and environment. Be prepared and make sure your equipment is easily accessible and can be operated by everyone on board.

The only exceptions to minimum safety equipment requirements are beach and pool toys that measure less than two metres in length and are not designed to be fitted with a motor. Pleasure craft involved in an official competition may have alternative safety equipment arrangements.

Examples of safety equipment include:

• personal protection equipment such as personal flotation devices (PFDs) or life-jackets; 
• boat safety equipment such as buoyant heaving lines, lifebuoys, lifting harnesses, reboarding devices, manual propelling devices, anchors, bailers and manual water pumps, and fire extinguishers;
• distress equipment such as watertight flashlights and flares; 
• navigation equipment such as navigation lights, radar reflectors, sound-signalling devices and appliances, towing equipment, charts and publications; and
• other suggested items such as spare clothing in a watertight bag, drinking water and high-energy snacks, tool kits, first aid kits, cellular phones, and a marine radio where applicable.

Depending on the size of your pleasure craft, you will be required to carry some or all of the above safety equipment. Be aware of which safety equipment is required for your vessel, and be prepared. Make sure your equipment is easily accessible and can be operated by everyone on board. Remember, ensuring that all equipment is in good working order is not just common sense, it's the law. For more information on safety equipment requirements and how they apply to you, call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687 or visit the Office of Boating Safety website.

Communications equipment
1) Marine VHF radio
Marine VHF radio is the recommended means of issuing a distress alert, as it is the most effective and reliable method. If you have a marine VHF radio, keep it tuned to channel 16. In the event of an emergency, know where you are at all times and be prepared to describe your location accurately.

In case of grave and imminent danger (for example, your boat is taking on water and you are in danger of sinking or capsizing), use channel 16 and repeat "MAYDAY" three times. Then give the name of your vessel and its position, the nature of your problem and the type of assistance needed.

If you need assistance but are not in immediate danger (for example, your motor has quit and you are unable to get back to shore) use channel 16 and repeat "PAN PAN" three times. Then give the name of your vessel and its position, the nature of your problem and the type of assistance needed.

Remember:

• Channel 16 is used for EMERGENCY and CALLING purposes only. If possible, take your conversation to a working frequency once you have called another vessel on channel 16.
• Anyone who uses a VHF radio must follow the procedures described in the VHF Radiotelephone Practices and Procedures Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act. All VHF radio operators are required to have a Restricted Operator's Certificate with maritime qualifications. (Canada recognizes the American Certificate. Visitors from a country other than the U.S. should contact Industry Canada for information on associated requirements). For more information on the certificate, visit the Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons website or contact them toll-free at 1-800-277-2628.

2) Digital Selective Calling
If you are purchasing a new VHF radio, it is recommended that it include the new Digital Selective Calling (DSC) feature on channel 70. DSC can be used to send a Distress Alert (by holding a distress button for five seconds) to advise the Canadian Coast Guard and other boaters in your area that you require immediate assistance. This distress signal can be sent where VHF-DSC services are available. (The Canadian Coast Guard is currently upgrading its facilities to provide DSC channel 70 services. There is currently limited DSC service available in British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador).

To make a digital call or to use the Distress Alert function, each radio must have an identity:a nine-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. Your owner's manual will tell you more about this feature and how to make a DSC call to another boat or to a shore station that has DSC capability. MMSI numbers are assigned, free of charge, by calling Industry Canada at 1-800-667-3780 or by visiting the Industry Canada website.

As well, if your boat is equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, it is highly recommended that it be connected to your DSC radio. This will ensure that your position is automatically sent when a Distress Alert is transmitted. Rescuers will then immediately know your exact location and assistance will arrive sooner.

For more information, contact the nearest Marine Communications and Traffic Services office at:

3) Cellular phones
With a cellular phone, you may contact Rescue Coordination Centres directly. Or, by dialing *16, you will contact the nearest Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre. (Contact your cellular provider to find out if you have access to the *16 service). Remember that a cellular phone is not a good substitute for a marine radio and is not an approved means of issuing a distress call. Making a call does not alert other boaters close to you - and those other boats could be the first to help if they could hear you. Unlike VHF transmissions, cellular phone signals cannot be followed back to your location by rescuers.

OPERATING RULES AND TIPS

Age restrictions for operating vessels with certain horsepower
In order to protect the safety of children, operators under the age of 16 are prohibited from operating pleasure craft above specified horsepower (hp) limits:

• Children under the age of 12 may not operate a pleasure craft with more than 10 hp (7.5 KW) without adult supervision.
• Children between 12 years and 16 years of age may not operate a pleasure craft with more than 40 hp (30 KW) without adult supervision.
• Only persons 16 years of age or older can operate a personal watercraft regardless of supervision.

Alcohol restrictions
Did you know that operating a boat under the influence carries the same risks and penalties as if you were driving a car? Boating while impaired is an offence under the Criminal Code. Convictions, even for a first offence, may result in heavy punishment. Penalties range from a minimum of $600 to a ban from operating a vessel for up to three years. Operators with more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood are liable to the following fines (The maximum sentence may vary depending on provincial statutes):

• 1^st offence: at least $600 fine;
• 2^nd offence: at least 14 days of imprisonment; and
• 3^rd offence: at least 90 days of imprisonment.

Besides the legal consequences, mixing alcohol and boating is far more dangerous than most people realize. Fatigue, sun, wind and the motion of the boat dull the senses. Alcohol intensifies these effects, leaving you with reduced reaction time, poorer fine motor skills, and impaired judgment. At least 40 per cent of all power-boating fatality victims had a blood alcohol level above the legal driving limit. So, it's simple: don't "cruise with booze".

Provinces and territories have rules that determine when alcohol can be consumed, or how it can be transported on a boat. In most provinces, alcohol may be consumed on board the vessel if it meets certain conditions. For carriage restrictions applying to your area, check with the appropriate provincial authorities: Ontario Provincial Police for Ontario, Sûreté du Québec for Quebec, RCMP for all other provinces and territories:

• the vessel has permanent sleeping facilities;
• the vessel has permanent cooking facilities;
• the vessel has a permanent toilet; and
• the vessel is anchored or secured alongside a dock.

Carbon Monoxide hazards
In recent years, an alarming number of boating fatalities in Canada and the U.S. have been caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Any enclosed space that contains fuel-burning engines or appliances should be well ventilated. The fuel-burning engines or appliances should also be certified or designed for marine use.

Carbon monoxide is an inflammable, colourless, odourless, tasteless toxic gas produced during the incomplete combustion of fuel (natural gas, oil, coal, wood, kerosene, etc.). A person can be overcome by and succumb to carbon monoxide inhalation in as little as a few breaths. This danger is real and is known to have caused death within seconds.

Please pay particular attention to the hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• cooking, heating or even leaving a motor on idle in an enclosed space can result in a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide. Be extra vigilant if there have been modifications to your vessel, such as cabin extensions, the fitting of canvas tops, etc; and
• swimmers are urged to refrain from entering areas under swimming platforms mounted on vessels or between the pontoons of houseboats, or any other areas where air circulation may be poor and engine exhaust gases may accumulate.

Pollution/Sewage restrictions
We all enjoy Canada's lakes, rivers and coastal waters. To keep them healthy and productive, we must follow good environmental boating practices. All vessels are therefore prohibited from dumping pollutants such as garbage, oil and oilwastes, and hazardous chemicals, in any Canadian waters.

There are also restrictions against pumping sewage into any water within the province of Ontario (see below) and certain designated waters of British Columbia and Manitoba. (For information on these sites, call the toll-free Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687). In these areas, a pleasure craft fitted with a toilet must also be fitted with a holding tank and, if fitted with a piping system that allows the discharge of sewage directly overboard, then this discharge must be visibly disconnected. Sewage may only be discharged at shore pump-out facilities. Discharging sewage into any Canadian waterway may also be in contravention of the Fisheries Act.

Portable toilets are illegal on Ontario waters. The owner of a pleasure craft must ensure that each toilet and holding tank is installed so that:

• the toilet and equipment are connected in such a manner that the equipment receives all toilet waste;
• equipment designed for the storage of human excrement is provided with a deck fitting and the connecting piping necessary for the removal of toilet waste by shore-based pumping equipment;
• no means of removal of toilet waste is provided other than the means mentioned above; and
• all parts of the system for removal of toilet waste are congruent with one another and the boat.

Responsible boating
Maintain a constant look-out
Canada's Collision Regulations require all vessels to maintain a constant lookout. When operating in the vicinity of large vessels, remember that they have limited visibility, turning and stopping capabilities. It's therefore important to maintain an all-around lookout at all times and to be prepared to move out of the way of larger vessels.

Right-of-way rules
Clear right-of-way rules exist to help vessels using the same waterways to avoid colliding with one another. The rules are very specifically described in the Collision Regulations, and you must know them.

Safe speed
The Collision Regulations specify that operators are responsible for maintaining a safe speed that allows for proper and effective action to be taken to avoid collisions. Operators must also proceed at a safe speed in or near an area of restricted visibility, such as entering or exiting a fog bank.

Careless Operation
Did you know that Canada's Small Vessel Regulations prohibit the operation of a vessel in a careless or inconsiderate manner? This means that if you are jumping waves or the wake of other vessels unreasonably close, disturbing the peace or causing annoyance, travelling at excessive speed near swimmers, playing chicken or weaving through congested traffic at high speed, you risk obtaining a hefty fine or ending up in front of a judge or possibly both.

It is essential that you know the risks and follow the rules when boating. Transport Canada will be working closely with its various partners to increase awareness of these provisions. You can do your part by spreading the word. For more information on how we can work together to raise awareness, visit the Office of Boating Safety website.

Speed restrictions
Canada's Boating Restriction Regulations - jointly administered with some provinces - regulate the operation of small boats on specific bodies of water in Canada. For instance, these regulations set out restrictions such as speed limits and power limitations, or when and where certain activities, such as waterskiing, are permitted.

When boating in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, please observe the speed limit of 10 km/h (6 mph) within 30 meters (100 ft) of shore. This limit applies on all waters within these provinces, except where other limits are posted. These provisions do not apply in rivers less than 100 metres (300 ft) in width, canals and buoyed channels, nor in the case of waterskiing, where the tow boat launches and drops off skiers by heading directly away from or into the shore. In Quebec, posted speed restrictions apply on specific bodies of water.

FOREIGN BOATERS

In order for everyone to enjoy Canadian waterways, all recreational boaters - Canadian and foreign - are expected to know and follow the rules. However, some exceptions to and variations of these rules have been established for operators that are not Canadian residents, as well as for foreign pleasure craft (pleasure craft that are licensed or registered in a country other than Canada). For more information on how Canadian rules apply to non-residents of Canada or operators of foreign vessels, call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687 or visit the Office of Boating Safety website.

For information on the procedures to follow when entering Canada from the United States using a pleasure craft, visit Canada Border Services Agency website. Visitors from a country other than the United States should also visit the Canada Border Services Agency website. All visitors can call 1-888-226-7277 for more information.

MORE INFORMATION ON PLEASURE CRAFT REQUIREMENTS

For more information on pleasure craft requirements and how they apply to you:

• Call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687;
• from outside Canada, call (613) 991-9002;
• visit the Office of Boating Safety website;
• email your questions to obs-bsn@tc.gc.ca;
• get your free copy of the Safe Boating Guide by calling 1-800-267-6687;
• refer to other publications on boating safety;
• read the Boating Safety Bulletins; and
• keep informed of any equipment recalls (e.g., Personal Flotation Devices, outboard engines).

INFORMATION ON COMMERCIAL AND NON-PLEASURE CRAFT

If you are using your vessel for commercial or non-pleasure purposes, you are required to meet applicable Canada Shipping Act regulations. For information on these regulations and how they apply to you, visit Transport Canada's Marine website.

November 2004