Feature Article May 20, 2004
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Lakeland Safe Boating Legislation
by George Hiles
Boating Safety includes complying with the boating safety equipment requirements and getting your Canadian Coast Guard Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
On April 1, 1999 there were substantial changes made to the Canadian Small Vessel Regulations. The changes not only brought in new equipment requirements, but they also allow the boater greater flexibility in selecting the appropriate safety equipment. In some cases boaters are offered a choice of equipment they carry onboard.
All boaters are affected by equipment requirements, including powerboats, personal water craft (PWC), canoes, paddleboats, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats, sailboarding, when towing a water skier, and wake boarding.
Equipment requirements vary by VESSEL LENGTH and in some cases VESSEL TYPE. Your responsibility does not end with having the required equipment onboard. Remember that it is your responsibility to ensure the equipment is maintained and in good working order.
The basic safety equipment for most vessels includes a PFD (personal flotation device) or lifejacket sized to the individual for each person on board. Life saving cushions are no longer an approved flotation device. In addition, a buoyant heaving or floating line at least 15 metres long, a manual propelling device (paddle or two oars), an anchor with at least 15 metres of rope, a sound- signalling device (horn or a pea-less whistle), a bailer, a water-tight flashlight that works and a fire extinguisher if the vessel is equipped with fuelburning, cooking, heating or refrigerating appliances.
These minimum equipment requirements can vary by vessel type and by vessel length. All vessels require some safety equipment. Make sure your vessel meets the minimum requirements!
In addition to safety equipment, as a boat operator you may now fall under the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations.
This new legislation became law during 1999. All boaters that operate a power-driven vessel will be required to comply with this legislation by the year 2009. This includes all boats used for pleasure that are propelled by any size or type of motor, including electric.
The requirement to posses a Canadian Coast Guard Operator Card is being phased in over a period of several years. Anyone operating a boat less than 4 metres (approximately 13 feet) with a motor must now have an Operator Card.
In addition, any person currently 20 years of age or younger, operating a boat with a motor, must now possess an Operator Card. The age requirement will increase by one each year, until the program is fully implemented in the year 2009. At that point everyone who operates a power-driven boat will require a Canadian Coast Guard Operator Card.
The fine for not complying with the legislation is $250 plus a surcharge of $50 for a total of $300.
Upon obtaining your Operator card (regardless of your age), the card is good for a lifetime, and allows the boater to operate any size pleasure craft.
There are some restrictions for persons under 16 years of age with a card. If they are 11 years or younger, the boater is restricted to operating a power-boat with no more that a 10 hp motor, and for those between 12 and 15 years of age, the maximum is a boat with a motor no larger than 40 hp.
No one under the age of 16 years . . . even with an Operator card, can operate a PWC (personal water craft), commonly known as a sea-doo or jet-ski.
Consider taking a boating safety course and obtain your Operator Card this season.
Enjoy your water-related activities, but please dont do it at the expense of others.
Stay safe, play safe and have a great summer on the waterway!
