New Boating Safety Regulations Expected to Save Lives

New regulations are being introduced this year to reduce boating fatalities in Canada from their present level of 200 annually.

Currently in Canada, anyone of any age can operate any boat of any size without any formal training or experiences. In fact, two-thirds of those operating powered boats in Canada lack any formal training in boating safety or operation. With more and more boaters taking to the waterways in new, and increasingly powerful vessels, the status quo could be a recipe for disaster.

Age and Horsepower Restrictions

Effective April 1, 1999, children under the age of 12 will no longer be permitted to operate boats above 10 horsepower for recreational purposes unless accompanied by a person 16 years of age or older. On the same date, youth at least 12 years of age, but under 16 years of age, will no longer be permitted to operate boats above 40 horsepower unless accompanied by an individual 16 years of age or older. Finally, as of April 1, 1999, the new minimum age for operating Personal Water Craft (PWC) will be 16 years of age.

Operator Competency

Beginning on September 15, 1999 youth under 16 years of age (as of April 1, 1999) operating powered craft used for recreational purposes will be required to have proof of operator competency. This requirement will be extended to all operators of power boats less than four metres in length, as well as all PWCs. By September 15, 2009, proof of operator competency will be required for all power boat operators.

Proof of operator competency can be obtained in one of three ways. The first is by successfully completing a written test administered by an accredited course provider. (Experienced boaters are unlikely to require formal training beforehand to complete the test). This one-time only requirement is good for life. The second is by providing proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999. The third, for those who do not have an operator=s card but wish to rent a boat, involves completion of a dockside boating safety checklist with the rental agent.

Small Vessel Regulations (Minimum Safety Equipment/Safety Precautions)

The final area of regulation involves bringing the 20 year-old Small Vessel Regulations into line with today=s boating environment. New operating standards and minimum safety equipment requirements are being introduced that will provide flexibility for boaters to take into account the type of equipment required for their boat and boating activity. The regulations also define a new Acareless operation@ offence that will allow enforcement agencies to issue tickets to reckless boaters who put themselves and others at risk.

Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

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