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Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety (Atlantic Region) is responsible for the regulatory, enforcement and technical services that apply to recreational vessels as well as setting national standards for operator competence, education and training. The Office of Boating Safety works closely with recreational boating communities to deliver prevention-based programs to reduce the safety risks and environmental impacts of boating. This office has established partnerships with various enforcement agencies by providing support and technical expertise. The Office of Boating Safety facilitates various advisory boards including the Regional Recreational Boating Advisory Council (RRBAC) and local Marine Advisory Councils. The regulations and standards this office is responsible for include:
The Small Vessel Regulations describe the minimum safety equipment requirements for all recreational vessels according to vessel length. It provides the provisions for fuelling, noise abatement, engine start-up, small vessel towing activities, fuel-burning appliances or systems and prohibitions against careless operation.
The Construction Standards TP1332, derives its authority from the Small Vessel Regulations, identifies the responsibility of small vessel designers, manufacturers, constructors and owners to carefully consider the intended operation of the vessel when determining its construction and hull design. A number of integral systems described within include: ventilation, fuel, electrical, machinery and fire protection. The requirement for Safety-Compliance Notices such as Capacity or Conformity labels as well as Hull Identification Numbers can also be found within these standards.
The Boating Restriction Regulations provides for the designation to control vessel activity on specific bodies of water in Canada. These regulations contain schedules that set out operational restrictions such as speed limits and maximum horsepower or when and where certain activities are permitted. Municipalities may apply for restrictions. For further details please visit the Local Authorities Guide to Boating Restriction Regulations. The only Boating Restrictions in the Atlantic Region are currently found in Nova Scotia. Two are found near Amherst. On the Tidnish River, upstream from Irwins Point, waterskiing is prohibited and there is a maximum speed limit of 15 km/h. The other restriction prohibits powerboats along the swimming shoreline of Mushamush beach on Big Mushamush Lake, near Lunenburg. The Boating Restriction Regulations also provide for a province-wide shoreline speed restriction. Certain provinces have adopted restrictions to limit speed to 10 km/h within 30 m from shore on all waters within their boundaries, with certain exceptions. The Age and Horsepower Restrictions are also included in these regulations. These restrictions prohibit operators under the age of 16 years from operating boats above specified horsepower limits.
The Pleasure Craft Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulations concern the operation of small boats on specific bodies of water by designating them as no discharge zones further requiring that vessels be equipped with holding tanks to prevent discharge of sewage. For Marinas and Yacht Clubs with Pump-out stations in the Atlantic Region NB, NS, PEI, (NFLD & Labrador not yet available)
The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations require operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes to have proof of competency on board at all times. A ten-year phase-in period has been established for its implementation. Course Providers are available in your area.
For more information, call: 1-800-387-4999 (Atlantic Region)
1-800-267-6687 (General Information)
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