Welcome to the Office of Boating Safety (OBS), Transport Canada’s focal point for the recreational boating community.
The OBS delivers prevention-based programs to reduce the safety risks and environmental impacts of boating on Canadian waters.

Information for safe boaters

• Discontinuation of Single Vessel Label Program
  
  
• The Canada Shipping Act, 2001 came into force on July 1, 2007. For information on how this change affects pleasure craft, please see the following Backgrounder
   
• If you operate a boat you need to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Learn the Operator Competency Requirements. 
  → Course Providers Database
  → Frequently Asked Questions
  
  
• Find out about Safety Equipment Requirements for your boat.
  
  
• If your boat has a motor over 10 horsepower, you will need to know about Pleasure Craft Licensing.
  → Frequently Asked Questions
  
  
• Every boat that can be fitted with a motor needs a Compliance Notice. 
  → Frequently Asked Questions
  
  
• Do you have concerns regarding problematic behaviours with boaters in your community? Learn about Prohibition Against Careless Operation.
  
  
• Breaking the rules could cost you!  See the attached provisions to the regulations for details on specific fines.
  
  
• Visit Recalls for a list of products that have been recalled by manufacturers.
  
  
• Boating Safety Bulletins have important information issued by the Office of Boating Safety.
  
  
• If you are a resident of a country other than Canada and will be boating in Canadian waters, you should know about requirements for Foreign Recreational Boaters in Canadian Waters.
  
  
• Acts, Regulations & Standards that affect recreational boaters.
  
  
• Be a part of Transport Canada, Canada Shipping Act 2001 - Public Consultations.
  
  
• National Recreational Boating Safety Council (NRBAC)
   
• Wearalifejacket.com - information on choosing and wearing a flotation device