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Requirements for Foreign Recreational Boaters In Canadian WatersWelcome to the country with the world's longest coastline and greatest concentration of freshwater lakes. We invite you to explore Canada's waterways responsibly. All recreational boaters, both foreign and domestic, are expected to know the rules that govern their safe enjoyment in Canadian waters. Once in Canadian waters, you must follow the rules that govern the safety equipment, the safe operation of your pleasure craft and protection of the environment that apply in Canada. Watch for boating restrictions such as speed limits or vessel prohibitions. For more information, read on...
The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations require that all operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor have proof of competency and proof of age on board at all times. The Regulations are being phased in as follows:
The Regulations apply to non-residents:
For non-residents, proof of competency can take one of three forms:
*NASBLA issued cards are recognized for citizens of the United States. For more information, consult the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations Age - Horsepower RestrictionsThe Age - Horsepower Restrictions prohibit operators under the age of 16 from operating recreational vessels above specified horsepower limits:
These restrictions apply to all operators of pleasure craft in Canadian waters both domestic and foreign. Safety Equipment RequirementsForeign pleasure craft (pleasure craft that are licensed or registered in a country other than Canada) need to comply with equipment requirements of the country in which the vessel is usually kept. If you are not a resident of Canada and are using a pleasure craft licensed or registered in Canada, all of the required safety equipment must meet Canadian safety requirements. However, you may opt to bring your own PFD for your own personal use. Driving Under the Influence Boating while impaired is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. 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. Consumption of AlcoholIn most provinces : Alcohol may be consumed on board the pleasure craft if it meets all of the following conditions:
Check with the appropriate provincial authorities (OPP for Ontario, SQ for Quebec, RCMP for all other provinces and territories) for carriage restrictions. Shore-Line Speed RestrictionsWhen boating in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan, please observe the unposted speed limit of 10km/h (6 mph) within 30 meters (100 ft) from 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 meters (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, shoreline speed restrictions apply on specific bodies of water and are usually posted. Help Keep Our Waterways Clean There are restrictions against pumping sewage into all waters with the province of Ontario and some interior lakes of British Columbia and Manitoba. 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. Portable ToiletsPortable toilets are illegal on Ontario waters. The owner of a pleasure craft shall ensure that each toilet and the holding tank(s) is/are installed so that;
VHF Radio Marine VHF radio is the recommended means of issuing a distress alert. If you have a marine VHF radio, keep it tuned to channel 16. 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. Remember:
For more information on the ROC, contact the Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons (CPS) toll-free at: 1-888-277-2628. Visitors from a country other than the United States should contact Industry Canada for more information. Digital Selective CallingDigital Selective Calling (DSC) is a new feature of VHF radio that provides an automatic digital distress signal. Limited DSC service is available in the following provinces: British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. For more information, contact your regional DSC (Marine Communications and Traffic Services) office:
Cellular Phones With a cellular phone, you may contact Rescue Coordination Centers directly. Or, by dialing *16, you will contact the nearest Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services Center. Remember that a cellular phone is not a good substitute for a marine radio and it is not an approved means of issuing a distress call. Making a call does not alert other boaters close to you - those other boats could be the ones to help you first if they could hear you. Unlike VHF transmissions, cellular phone signals cannot be followed back to your location by rescuers. Contact your cellular provider to find out if you have access to the *16 service. Marine ChartsFor more information contact your Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) Regional Office:
Entering Canada by Boat (Customs) This site will give you more information on the procedures to follow when entering Canada from the United States using a private pleasure craft. It also gives information on the CANPASS program. Visitors from a country other than the United States should visit this Web site for more information on Customs procedures. For More Information...For more information, or for a copy of the Safe Boating Guide, contact the Office of Boating Safety. Boating Safety Infoline (Canada Only): 1-800-267-6687 E-Mail: obs-bsn@tc.gc.ca Web Site: www.boatingsafety.gc.ca Mailing Address: |
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