Marine Safety On The Water

If You Really Need A Reason To Get Your Boating License. Just Click On One Of The Scrolling Links Below
Even ONE life lost is too many! It really is such a waste and is easily avoided. Don't YOU become a statistic !

As of September 15, 2009 all boaters will be required to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card in order to operate a powered watercraft. There is no grandfather clause or age exemption – this law applies to all boaters. Powered watercraft includes watercraft fitted with any size motor – even a trolling motor. If your not part of the solution, your part of the problem!

Man Dies In Boating Accident At Lake Perry
49abcnews.com - Topeka, KS, USA
Story by AP A Topeka man is dead after a boating accident on Lake Perry in Jefferson County. Deputies say 50-year-old Rafael Estrada died when the jet ski ...
August 27, 2007

Operation SWEEP Results In 180 Arrests
PR Newswire (press release) - New York, NY, USA
The 65 boating patrols focused on the most heavily utilized waters including Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Anna, and the Potomac, James and Rappahannock Rivers.
August 22, 2007

Boating Lake Havascu Cops Eye Floating Party
Los Angeles Daily News - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Four people have died so far this year in boating accidents at Lake Havasu, including an 8-year-old girl. Authorities are still looking for the pilot of a ...
August 19, 2007

NBA: Madsen Out 3 Months After Boating Accident
Honolulu Advertiser - Honolulu, HI, USA
By Jon Krawczynski AP MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Timberwolves forward Mark Madsen had surgery on his shoulder today, four days after he was hurt on a personal ...
August 18, 2007

Fatal Boating Crash Victim Remembered
News 10 Now - Syracuse, NY, USA
"His boat would always be there. Whenever his boat was gone, we knew he would be fishing," said Katie Lucio of her neighbor John Kowalewski. ...
August 11, 2007

Safe Summer Boating Tips
Campbell River Mirror - British Columbia, Canada
Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety wants to remind you how to boat safely. Our Boating Safety Officers encourage the over one million BC boaters ...
August 9, 2007

I could post more but I think you are getting the message

Register Today, YOU Can Even Win A Prize! It's a WIN-WIN Situation! Be A Safe Boater. Click the link!

Why are there different age and horsepower limits in the new boating laws ?

Canadians want to limit the horsepower of boats which children can operate by themselves. The law provides for a gradual increase in the maximum horsepower according to age. Personal watercraft manufacturers recommended the law restricting personal watercraft operation to those 16 years of age and older.

Why did the Canadian Coast Guard target younger boaters when most of the boating deaths and injuries involve adults ?

Lifelong knowledge and safe behavior are established at a young age. The Coast Guard believes that young people trained in basic boating safety are more likely to be safer and more responsible adult boaters.

What exactly is a Proof of Operator Competency ?

The most common proof is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Once a person has successfully passed an accredited operator competency test, a card is issued. The card, made of hard plastic, looks like a credit card. The card shows the person's name, date of birth, date of issue and the name of the organization issuing the card. It is waterproof, easy to carry and easy for enforcement officials to verify.

How does my child obtain a Proof of Operator Competency?

The Coast Guard believes the best way for a young person to obtain the designation is to take an accredited boating course. This training course is the best preparation for writing the boating safety knowledge exam. By obtaining a passing mark of 75 per cent or higher, the individual obtains a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

What if my child took a boating safety course before the regulations came into effect ?

All safe boating courses taken in Canada prior to April 1, 1999 are eligible for recognition under the new regulations. To do so individuals must produce proof that shows the person successfully completed the course.

What is an accredited boating course ?

The course must meet all the requirements set out in the Coast Guard's Safety Course Standard. To obtain approval, an organization sends its course materials and boating safety knowledge tests to the Coast Guard for a thorough review. Once accredited, the organization can offer the boating course to the general public.

What will my child learn during a boating safety course?

Young people will learn basic boating safety. This includes the laws and regulations governing our waterways, preparation for a safe boating trip, how to share waterways with other boaters and what to in the event of an emergency.

Can my child operate my boat if I am on board ?

Yes. Youth less than 12 years of age must be directly supervised in the operation of pleasure boat with a motor greater than 10 horsepower. Youth between the ages of 12 and under 16 must be directly supervised during their operation of a pleasure boat with a motor greater than 40 horsepower. In all cases, the youth being supervised must also possess the required proof of competency. All operators of personal watercraft must be at least 16 years of age, regardless of supervision or training.

How much does an accredited boating course cost ?

The average cost for a complete course runs between $40 and $100 depending on the course provider.

How will these boating laws be enforced ?

Beginning this boating season, RCMP, provincial and municipal police can ask you to show a proof of operator competency and personal identification. The fine for not having a proof on board can be up to $250.

For further information on these accredited courses, just click on the Boater Exam Banner below.
The National Office of Boating Safety also has a toll free information line at (800) 267-6687.