Canada offers amazing recreational boating opportunities from coast to coast. It ranges in variety from fishing for all species of Pacific salmon in British Columbia, to traversing the Rideau Canal in Ontario, and sea kayaking off Newfoundland. Nonresident recreational boaters need to understand and follow the regulations in place for everyone in Canada. Visitors are expected to know the rules that govern safe boating in Canadian waters.
Operator Competency – Canada requires operators of pleasure craft to prove operational competency. This is accomplished through a national testing program conducted by contractors representing the government and issuance of pleasure craft operator card. These regulations apply to non-residents operating on Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days or if the pleasure craft being used is registered in Canada. Visiting boaters need to carry proof of residency and age to qualify for a possible exemption.
Age Related Horsepower Restrictions – Pleasure craft operators under the age of 16 have limits on allowable operating horsepower.
- Children under the age of 12 not directly supervised by a person 16 or more years old are limited to a maximum of 10 horsepower
- Youths between 12 and 15 years of age not directly supervised by a person 16 or more years old are limited to a maximum of 40 horsepower
- Regardless of available supervision, you must be at least 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft
Safety Equipment - Pleasure craft registered outside of Canada need to comply with the minimum safety equipment requirements established by the country of registry. A non-resident using a pleasure craft registered in Canada is required to use safety equipment that meets Canadian government standards.
Alcohol and Boating Under the Influence - Boating under the influence of alcohol is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. The legal standard for being impaired is having a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.
Penalties for Boating While Impaired – the Maximum Sentence Can Vary with Province:
- 1st Offense: At least a $600 fine
- 2nd Offense: At least 14 days of imprisonment and a fine
- 3rd Offense: At least 90 days of imprisonment and a fine
Consumption of Alcohol - Alcohol may be consumed in most provinces on pleasure craft that have a permanently installed berth, galley and head, while at anchored or securely moored to the dock. Carriage of alcohol varies by province.
Shoreline Speed Restrictions - The provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan have an unposted speed limit of 10 kilometers per hour (6 miles per hour) for boats operating within 30 meters (98 feet) of the shoreline. There are specific local restrictions for narrow waterways, canals and water skiing tow boat launches. Quebec posts shoreline speed limits for specific areas of concern.
Sewage Restrictions In general there are restrictions against pumping sewage into all waters of Canada with even more stringent requirements in some provinces. Holding tanks need to be discharged at approved shoreside pump out facilities. Portable toilets are prohibited in Ontario. Check with local authorities ahead of anticipated trips.
Communications - Use marine VHF channel 16 to broadcast a distress alert. Channel 16 is for emergency and hailing use only. Operators of marine VHF radios are required to have a Canadian Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC) with a maritime qualification. The Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons administer ROC applications. Canada recognizes the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RP) issued by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Limited Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is available in British Columbia, Quebec, the Maritimes and Newfoundland. Canada supports *16 for calling their Rescue Coordination Center directly by cellular phone.
Charts - Visit the Canadian Hydrographic Service website for more information on marine charts.
Customs - Boats entering Canada should review requirements provided by the Canada Border Service Agency for private boats.
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