Safeboating

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Mar 2000

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Changes to Boating Regulations Now in EffectGeorge Hiles Lakeland Safe Boating Inc.

The new "Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations" came into force on April 1, 1999. This Federal Legislation applies to all operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes. The regulations, which are being phased in over a period of ten years, require operators to have proof of competency on board at all times. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is proof of competency and upon being issued, is good for life. Boaters can obtain their card after receiving a mark of 75% on a Canadian Coast Guard accredited test. The test consists of 36 questions, which are based on material from an accredited boating safety course. To obtain a passing grade, 27 of the 36 questions must be answered correctly. The test can be taken: after having completed an accredited course; after reviewing a Study Guide containing the course material on ones own; or by taking a "challenge" test, based on the boater's personal knowledge. Young boaters are the first group to be directly affected by this new legislation. Any boater who was under 16 years of age on April 1, 1999 (the date the new legislation came into effect) will be required to have an operator card. This requirement has been in effect since September 15, 1999. The next group to fall under the new legislation are all boaters who were over the age of 16 before April 2, 1999 and are operating a power driven boat that is less than 4 meters in length. As of September 15, 2002, this large group will all be required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Finally, on September 15, 2009, all boaters will be required to have their Operator Card in order to operate a power-driven craft. Younger operators will have to gain proof of competency first (presently required), followed by all operators of small power driven boats (September 15, 2002), and then by operators of larger power driven craft (September 15, 2009). There are additional restrictions for boaters under the age of 16:

* Any person under the age of 12 has to be supervised by someone older than 16, in order to operate a boat with a motor larger than 10 hp.;

* Boaters between the age of 12 and under 16 can't operate a boat with more than 40 hp unless they are supervised;

* No one under the age of 16 (even with a valid Operator Card) can operate a Personal Water Craft (for example, a Sea-doo). Lakeland Safe Boating Inc. is accredited with the Canadian Coast Guard and is authorized to provide Boating Safety Courses and to issue Pleasure Craft Operator Cards to those who obtain a passing grade on test approved by the Canadian Coast Guard. Lakeland Safe Boating Inc. is owned and operated by the author of this article and is located in Tichborne, Ontario. The cost of the Boating Safety Course, which includes personal course instruction and the administration of the test, is $65.00. The course takes approximately 7 hours to complete. Those enrolling will receive the Boating Safety Study Guide and the Operator Card (if they successfully complete the test). Lakeland Safe Boating can be reached at: 613 453-5253Editor's note: The NewsWeb does not accept direct advertising at this time although it is anticipated that we will in the future. This story is news, in that it outlines important changes in boating regulations. It also advertises the services of Lakeland Safe Boating. Anyone else providing accredited safe boating courses should notify us and we will put on line, at no cost, the availability of your services.