CANADIAN WATERCRAFT REGULATIONS

To operate a pleasure craft in Canada there requirements for both the operator and the vessel. The operator must meet mandatory operator competency requirements and the boat must be either licensed or registered.

1. BOATING OPERATORS – COMPETENCY AND AGE REQUIREMENTS

There are some important regulations that every boater should be aware of. These include minimum age limits and mandatory operator competency requirements.

AGE AND HORSEPOWER RESTRICTIONS

Age and horsepower restrictions prohibit operators under the age of 16 from operating recreational vessels above specified horsepower (hp) limits.

• Children under 12 can not operate a recreational vessel with more than 10 hp unless supervised by someone 16 years of age or older.

• Youth between 12 years of age and under 16 can not operate a recreational vessel with more than 40 hp unless supervised by someone 16 years of age or older.

• Personal watercraft can only be operated by persons 16 years of age or older regardless of supervision.

OPERATOR COMPETENCY

Proof of operator competency is currently required if you fall into one of the following categories:

• You are born after April 1st, 1983
• You operate a pleasure craft, fitted with a motor, that is under 4 metres in length

Proof of competency will be required for all operators September 15th, 2009.

To prove competency you must have either a Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card or proof of having successfully completed a boating safety coarse in Canada prior to April 1st, 1999. The course certificate must clearly show the date of completion.

PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATOR’S CARD

This is the most the most common proof of competency. To obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card you need to pass an accredited test. It is not mandatory to take a boating safety course prior to writing the test but it is strongly recommended. It will not only prepare you for the test but it also improves the safety of all boaters and will make you aware of your responsibilities as a boater. All courses and tests are administered by private companies and these companies also issue the cards.

For further information on operator competency or to find a course provider near you please visit:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/debs/obs/paperwork/paperwork_operator.htm

2. WATERCRAFT LICENSING AND REGISTRATION

Watercraft owners in Canada must either licence or register their vessel.

THE PLEASURE CRAFT LICENCE

The Pleasure Craft Licence is an identification number that is displayed on a recreational vessel that helps law enforcement and search-and-rescue organizations trace each pleasure craft to its owner. A pleasure craft licence is mandatory for all boats equipped with a motor of 10 horsepower or more if the boat is not registered.

The Pleasure Craft Licence includes basic contact information for each pleasure craft owner and a description of the vessel. You must display the license number on both sides of the bow in block characters not less than 7.5 centimetres high and in a colour that contrasts with the back ground colour. There is a fine of $250 if you are found to be operating a vessel without a license or registration.

For additional information on pleasure craft licences please visit:

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/sc/boats/pleasurecraft.shtml

PLEASURE CRAFT REGISTRATION

The Canadian Register of Vessels is a title system for ownership of vessels. It contains information on each vessel such as ownership and weight. Registration provides the boat with an official number and a unique name. Transport Canada provides the registration service.

For frequently asked questions on registration please visit their web site:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/oep/shipreg/registration/faqs.htm