Do You Have What It Takes To Have Fun Boating?

Safe and enjoyable boating means having the right knowledge and the right gear before you head out, and acting responsibly once you're out there. The new rules in boating safety are the result of the Transport Canada listening to boaters from across the country. New rules for personal watercraft (PWC) are supported by PWC manufacturers.

Learn what these improved rules mean for you.

All operators of PWC must have proof of competency since September 15, 2002. Also, all operators born after April 1, 1983 must have proof of competency on board.

Being a safe boater means having a basic level of boating knowledge. That's why the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations require operators to have proof of competency and to carry it on board at all times while operating a power-driven boat for recreational use.

Proof of competency can take 1 of 3 forms:

1. A pleasure craft operator card
2. Proof of having taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999
3. A completed rental boat safety checklist

The best way to get proof competency is to take an accredited course and successfully completing the test. Experienced boaters also have the option of taking this test without first completing the course.

Educating yourself on the craft and its limits and knowing nautical rules of the road and safe driving techniques will increase your chance of staying safe on the water. As you gain more knowledge and operating experience, you will enjoy the ride even more. Take a Transport Canada accredited boating safety course now and be proactive in getting your proof of competency!

For a list of accredited boating safety course providers in your area, visit the Transport Canada web site at www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety or call 1-800-267-6687.

As of April 1, 1999, all PWC operators in Canada must be 16 years old and older.

Whenever you go boating, make sure you take the following safety equipment on board.

That way, you'll have peace of mind knowing you're ready if something goes wrong. Also note that manufacturers and Transport Canada recommend daylight PWC operation only.

• Pleasure craft licence (Make sure your PWC is properly licensed and marked and don't forget to carry a (paper) copy of your licence on board!)
• Canadian-approved personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board (Choose a bright one for better visibility, high-impact PFDs are recommended while using PWCs.)
• Buoyant heaving line (15 m)
• Watertight flashlight or 3 Canadian-approved flares of type A, B or C
• Sound-signalling device
• Manual propelling device or anchor with not less than 15 m of cable, rope or chain*
• Bailer or manual pump*
• Fire extinguisher (Class 5 BC)*

*If all people on board are wearing a PFD of appropriate size, then the last three items aren't mandatory.

In addition to the existing requirement for a spotter on board, the following new rules will apply:

• Seating must be provided on the PWC for each person being towed.
• Towing activities such as water-skiing are prohibited from one hour after sunset to sun rise.
• A PFD is required on board for each person being towed if they aren't already wearing it.

An operator who is doing any of the following could be charged:

• Operating a craft in such a way that could affect the safety of people or property considering weather, boat traffic, hazards, etc.
• Operating in a careless manner, without consideration for other people.

Note: Unposted limit is 10 km/h within 30 m from shore in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and British Columbia.

Follow these rules to ensure safe fuelling:

• Stop engine and unload passengers.
• Do not smoke.
• Avoid over-filling and wipe up spilled fuel.
• Make sure to ventilate engine compartment by lifting the seat before you start the engine.

Under the new Contraventions Act, enforcement agencies in many provinces can now ticket offenders on the spot instead of requiring them to appear in court. Tickets can be issued for offences such as not having required safety equipment or violating speed limits. The following provinces are using this system: New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Manitoba. Negotiations are ongoing with the remaining provinces and territories for implementation of the Act.

To ensure that personal watercraft are always welcome, it's up to you to be a good boating partner with others who share in the fun of water sports. Respect others on or near the water and show courtesy when you are boating by following these guidelines:

• Allow enough space between you and other people so you have time to react safely.
• Avoid cutting closely in front of any vessel or concentrating your operation around any one vessel.
• Avoid attempting any quick turns if there are other boats, swimmers or obstructions nearby. Look to both sides and behind you before you turn.
• Respect your neighbours' peace and quiet by moving around the lake rather than operating in just one small area.
• When pulling away from docks, launching ramps or swimming areas, give everyone a wide berth and travel slowly.
• Maintain a constant look-out for other boaters, swimmers, buoys, and hazards such as rocks and shoals.
• Avoid crossing wakes or high waves. It is very easy to capsize or fall off a PWC when jumping wakes and/or waves.

Each time you rent a personal watercraft, you'll be required to complete a rental boat safety checklist unless you have other proof of competency. This is to ensure that the operator is familiar with the operation of the boat, local hazards and conditions, and knows the principal boating safety rules. The operator must carry the cosigned section of the rental boat safety checklist on board as proof of competency.

Keep in mind that your personal watercraft is a power boat and not a toy. So before you turn it over to another operator, you must be sure that he under-stands Canadian boating rules and safety precautions as well as how to handle a PWC. It is important to ensure that the operator has proof of competency.

To improve safe operation of PWC, the Transport Canada Office of Boating Safety, PWC manufacturers and the Canadian Jet Sports Association are working together on several joint initiatives. 

To find out more about the regulations, get your free copy of the "Safe Boating Guide" by calling our toll-free number: 1-800-267-6687.

Published by: Office of Boating Safety, Transport Canada. © Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada,

Revised in 2001 Cat. No.T31-111/1998 ISBN 0-662-64019-5