As a Canadian pleasure craft operator, you are expected to know the rules and regulations that govern Canada’s waterways. You are responsible for equipping yourself with the right equipment and for operating your boat in a safe and courteous manner. You are also responsible for ensuring the safety of your passengers and other boaters. Safe Boating Tip You are legally responsible for equipping yourself, your passengers and your boat properly. You are also responsible for operating your boat safely and ensuring the safety of onboard. Boat operators and owners who do not comply with Canadian laws and regulations could be subject to fines and penalties. Drugs, alcohol and boating If you drink don’t drive. The same applies whether you’re driving a car, a boat, a PWC or any other type of – motorized vehicle. Consuming alcohol, drugs or other controlled substances can significantly impair your ability to safely operate your pleasure craft. Doing so will not only put your own life at risk, but will also risk the lives of your fellow boaters. Operating a pleasure craft anywhere in Canada while impaired is an offence under Section 253 of the Criminal Charges result in a criminal record and, even for the first offence, will result in significant Code of Canada. fines. Most provinces have fines from $600 to $2,000 and can restrict your operation of any motorized vehicle for 6 months to 3 years. Offenders can also be sent to prison. In Ontario anyone found guilty of alcohol impairment while in command of a power vessel will lose their automobile driver's licence for a least a year. Remember: Alcohol, and boating don’t mix. common sense You are required by law to operate your craft in a safe and courteous manner. You should always choose a safe operating speed and use especially when operating close to shore. Consider the following common sense, when operating your craft: Your distance from shore Water and wind speed conditions Visibility conditions Local hazards and obstructions The amount of boat traffic in the vicinity
As a Canadian pleasure craft operator, you are expected to know the rules and regulations that govern Canada’s waterways. You are responsible for equipping yourself with the right equipment and for operating your boat in a safe and courteous manner. You are also responsible for ensuring the safety of your passengers and other boaters. Safe Boating Tip You are legally responsible for equipping yourself, your passengers and your boat properly. You are also responsible for operating your boat safely and ensuring the safety of onboard. Boat operators and owners who do not comply with Canadian laws and regulations could be subject to fines and penalties. Drugs, alcohol and boating If you drink – don’t drive. The same applies whether you’re driving a car, a boat, a PWC or any other type of motorized vehicle. Consuming alcohol, drugs or other controlled substances can significantly impair your ability to safely operate your pleasure craft. Doing so will not only put your own life at risk, but will also risk the lives of your fellow boaters. Operating a pleasure craft anywhere in Canada while impaired is an offence under Section 253 of the Criminal Code of Canada. Charges result in a criminal record and, even for the first offence, will result in significant fines. Most provinces have fines from $600 to $2,000 and can restrict your operation of any motorized vehicle for 6 months to 3 years. Offenders can also be sent to prison. In Ontario anyone found guilty of alcohol impairment while in command of a power vessel will lose their automobile driver's licence for a least a year. Remember: Alcohol, and boating don’t mix. common sense You are required by law to operate your craft in a safe and courteous manner. You should always choose a safe operating speed and use common sense, especially when operating close to shore. Consider the following when operating your craft: Your distance from shore Water and wind speed conditions Visibility conditions Local hazards and obstructions The amount of boat traffic in the vicinity