General boating safety tips

Be safe on the water

Just like driving a car, operating a boat takes skill, knowledge and careful attention. Follow the proper safety precautions to make sure you and your family get full enjoyment out of being on the water. Here's a list of essentials:

Wear your lifejacket

Make sure you and any children with you wear properly sized lifejackets when on or near the water. There must be a Canadian-approved lifejacket of appropriate size for everyone on board a boat, and remember, it won't work unless you wear it!

Carry proof of competency

In Canada when you are operating a pleasure boat with a motor, the law requires you to carry a valid proof of competency* on board. This can be any of the following: a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, a boating safety course completion certificate issued before April 1999, or an approved marine certificate. If you don't already have a proof of competency, you'll need to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You can get yours by taking a boating safety course. You should also carry personal identification, such as a Photo ID, and if the motor on your boat is 10 horsepower or more, a Pleasure Craft Licence.

Monitor the weather

Before heading out, make sure you get the latest forecast for your area and that you understand what it means. You should also be aware of local factors (like topography) that may cause weather conditions to differ from the forecast.

Know the area

Make sure you're aware of local hazards, water levels and tides.

Share your sail plan with someone on shore

A sail plan includes your planned travel route and describes your boat. You should give this information to someone you trust before your departure — even if you will only be gone an hour or two.

Inspect your boat and safety equipment

Check your boat to make sure it's safe before leaving the dock. Ensure that all equipment (based on the type and length of your boat) is on board, in good working order and easy to reach. Carry a first aid kit, basic tools and spare parts.

Have a safety briefing

Show everyone on board where the safety equipment is located — and how to use it. Also, make sure the communication equipment works and everyone can use it.

Don't drink and boat

Mixing alcohol and boating is very dangerous. Alcohol intensifies the effects on your senses of fatigue, sun, wind and the motion of the boat, impairing your motor skills and judgment.

* Proof of Competency is not required in the waters of Nunavut and Northwest Territories at this time.

Looking for more information about boating safety?

Find answers through:

• Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide
• Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety