It’s boating season again! Before you set out there are some important things you need to know about boating and safety. Even if you’re not the one operating the vessel, it’s good to know the basics. So, read up, pack your lunch and sunscreen and have a great time boating this summer.
Important WARNING from the U.S. Coast Guard - Do not approach within 100 yards of any U.S. navy vessel. See the specifics of the warning at http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/obs-bsn/news/Naval%20Protection%20Zone.pdf or http://abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/DailyNews/boating020527.html.
Responsibilities:
As a boater, you are responsible for equipping yourself, for operating your boat safely, and for ensuring the safety of those on board. Operators and/or owners of pleasure craft that do not comply with Canadian laws and regulations could be subject to penalties or fines.
As a boater you are expected to know the rules that apply on Canadian waterways. The Small Vessel Regulations outline the minimum mandatory safety equipment required on a boat. They can be found here: http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/obs-bsn/regs_e.htm.
The offense “Careless Operations of a Vessel” is NEW and has been added to the small vessel regulations. This means no person shall operate a small vessel in a careless manner, without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other people.
Collision Regulations require every operator of a vessel to proceed at a safe speed, maintain a constant lookout, and use every available means, including radar and radio, if applicable, to determine whether there is a risk of collision.
Age-Horsepower Restrictions: this prohibits operators under the age of 16 years from operating craft above specified horsepower limits. If an operator is accompanied and directly supervised in the pleasure craft by a person 16 years and older, the age-horsepower restrictions do not apply. The specific restrictions and how they apply can be found here:
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/obs-bsn/sbg-gsn/age_e.htm
The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations requires that all operators have proof of competency on board at all times. You can get proof in one of three ways:
- Proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999.
- A pleasure craft operator card issued following the successful completion of a Canadian Coast Guard accredited test.
- A completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats).
The operator card is good for life. Boaters can receive their card after attaining a mark of 75% or better on a Canadian Coast Guard accredited test. Boaters have the option of taking this test without first completing a course. To find an accredited boating safety courses and tests you can call the Boating Safety Info line at 1-800-267-6687.
Boating and Alcohol
Just as driving a car while impaired is illegal, operating a boat anywhere in Canada while impaired is also illegal. In Canada no one on the boat can have open alcohol whereas in the United States the passengers may drink as long as the Captain does not. Even a first offence can result in heavy punishment with penalties no less than $600.00 and prohibition from operating a vessel could be for up to three years. Imprisonment could be for life in certain circumstances.
Under no circumstances is under age drinking and operating a vessel acceptable.
It is known that at least 40% of all power-boating fatality victims had a blood alcohol level above the legal driving limit.
“Don’t Cruise With Booze!” Be Responsible.
Enforcement of Boating Laws
Enforcement authorities can ticket offenders on the spot instead of requiring them to appear in court. Tickets can be issued for offences such as not having the required safety equipment on board, disobeying speed limits, or careless operation.
Personal Boating Safety
A comprehensive guide to boat safety can be found at:
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/obs-bsn/sbg-gsn/safety_e.htm.
You are responsible for yourself. If you are the operator of the vessel you are also responsible for those under the age of 16.
Wear your PFD (personal flotation device). You are 5 ˝ times less likely to drown if you are wearing your lifejacket. Sure, wearing one may not seem cool, but then neither is drowning. Not to mention it's the law if you're under 14.
Drive Sober. Because of the fatiguing effects of the sun, wind and motion of the boat, one drink on board is comparable to three on shore.
Get Trained. People assume operating a boat is the same as driving a car. It’s not. Before you go boating, there is a minimum you need to know. (Take an accredited boating safety course, it could very well save your life.)
Important Information - Before Heading Out
Ok, you’ve got your proof of competency, you and your shipmates all have their (properly fitted) lifejackets - now what? You’re going to need to make a sail plan (also known as trip or float plans). These are important even for day trips. Everyone is encouraged to file one with a responsible person before heading out. They can also be left with any Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications, and Traffic Services Centre by telephone, radio or in person.
Inspect your vessel. The vessel, engine and equipment must be in working order. One especially common cause of breakdown is simply running out of fuel. You can obtain a Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check free of charge by the Canadian Coast Guard, the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary or other boating and water safety organizations.
Avoid inconvenience and potential danger by taking a few minutes with this checklist:
- What is the weather forecast?
- Any local hazards or boating restrictions?
- Do you have maps or charts?
- Are there enough personal flotation devices of appropriate size for everyone on board?
- All safety equipment in good working order?
- Ample reserves of fuel for the trip or will you need to refuel?
- Is your VHF radio working properly?
- First aid kit, basic tools and spare parts?
- Have you let someone know where you're going, when to expect you back and what your boat looks like?
- Is your drainage plug in place?
For up to date information on responsible operation of your boat go to http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/obs-bsn/sbg-gsn/operation_e.htm.
What to do in an Emergency
All able persons aboard your vessel should know the basics of what to do in an emergency. Print out the following page from the Office of Boating Safety and have your shipmates read and understand the procedures before heading out. This is a comprehensive guide to emergency procedures while boating: http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/obs-bsn/sbg-gsn/emergency_e.htm.
General Information
Boating Safety Info Line 1-800-267-6687.
Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans Website - www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca. Everything you need to know about boating in Canada.
Be sure to check the marine forecast before you head out - http://weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/natmarine/index_e.html
Links to marine acts, regulations and policies for the recreational boater in Canadian waters - http://www.marineservices.gc.ca/en/Con01.asp?Div=Rec&Info=Acts
Boating Safety - http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/obs-bsn/main_e.htm
For People Visiting The United States by Boat
IMPORTANT For those of you visiting the U.S. for more than 72 hours, you will require a Canadian Boarder Boat Landing Permit (I-68 Form). This form is available at your port-of-entry. For more information visit http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-68.htm where you can see a copy of the form and the specifics about the I-68 regulations.
If you are planning on boating in U.S. waters, you should familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations that pertain to boating in the United States. While most are basically the same, ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse if you're caught doing something illegal. While in U.S. territory you are under U.S. law.
Check out these sites before you set out:
http://www.uscgboating.org - United States Coast Guard
http://www.firstboat.com/ - Boating Laws by State
http://newspapers.mywebpal.com/partners/347/public/news279635.html - New Safety Rules
http://www.firstboat.com/sliphunt/ - Find a Marina/Slip in the U.S.
In Conclusion
Boating can be a great summer activity and fun for the whole family. Remember, in order to keep you and your passengers safe, you need to follow the rules and regulations set out by the Canadian Coast Guard and the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans. Be safe, and have fun!
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