For many Ontarians, no summer is complete without a trip to the beach, a cottage, or any of our great lakes and bodies of water. One of the preferred ways to enjoy this time spent, is on a boat, whether a canoe or a yacht.
No matter your level of experience with boating, you’ll likely find yourself on one at one point in your life. It can be easy to get caught up in the experience of spending a carefree afternoon in the sun and forget that a boat is considered a vehicle, and as such, can cause serious injury or death if driven improperly.
Why Boat Safety Is So Important
As stated earlier, a relaxing afternoon boat outing can quickly turn deadly if safety and rules go by the wayside.
Just like with cars or other motor vehicles, it’s crucial to remain alert and attentive the entire time you’re driving one. This includes staying sober, keeping to the speed limit, making sure your eyes are on the lake, and not getting distracted by your passengers.
The Canadian Safe Boating Council states that alcohol is a factor in 40% of all boating fatalities. Based on federal estimates, 100 people die in Canada every year from boating accidents.
This is far too high of a number, so it’s crucial that before getting on a boat, especially if you are the driver, you polish up on boat safety and boating rules in Ontario, or whichever province you will be riding in.
You Must Have A Boating Licence In Ontario To Operate A Boat
In order to operate a boat in Ontario, you must obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You do this by passing a boating safety test. There are many different Transport Canada accredited places where you can take this test.
The test is responsible for testing people’s knowledge of basic boating safety and will cover various topics, such as:
- Various safety laws and regulations
- What safety equipment must be on board your boat based on the type of boat you are operating
- How to respond to emergency situations
- What different buoys mean
- How to safely share waterways with other boaters, swimmers, and animals
Find an accredited boater exam provider here.
Beyond having your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, there are also age restrictions for certain boats based on the horsepower they possess. Unlike driving, the restrictions for boating start from the age of 12.
Under the age of twelve, with no adult supervision, you may operate a boat up to 10 hp (7.5 kW). If you are between the ages 12-16, with no adult supervision, you can operate a boat up to 40 hp (30 kW). Once you turn 17, all horsepower restrictions disappear.
If you are under the age of 16, you cannot operate a personal watercraft under any circumstance. A personal watercraft is different than a boat, however. A personal watercraft is a small recreational watercraft where the driver is required to sit, stand or kneel at the vessel instead of within it, such as water scooters or jet skis.
Regardless of these age restrictions, you must always have the appropriate boat safety equipment that is required based on the type of boat you are operating.
All required boat safety equipment must be easy to access in case of an emergency, well maintained, and in full working order. It must also be replaced regularly based on manufacturer’s guidelines.
All rules and regulations for boat safety in Ontario apply to whoever is driving the boat at that moment, regardless of whether you own the boat, are renting the boat, or are borrowing the boat.
Minimum Boat Safety Equipment Requirements Based On Type And Size Of Boat
Minimum boat safety equipment requirements for sit-on-top and sealed-hull kayaks, paddleboats, stand-up paddleboards, and watercycles.
- 1 personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket for every 1 person on board.
- 1 reboarding device.
- 1 buoyant heaving line that is 15 m or more in length.
- 1 bailer, 1 manual bilge pump, or bilge-pumping arrangements.
- 1 sound signalling application or device.
- Navigational lights.
- 1 magnetic compass.
- 1 radar reflector.
- If the boat is over 6 m in length, you must also carry 1 watertight flashlight and 6 flares of Type A, B, C, or D. Only two flares can be Type D.
If every person on the boat is wearing their PFD or life jacket, then you only need to carry a sound signalling device and waterproof flashlight if the boat is being operated during hours of reduced visibility (before sunrise or after sunset).
Minimum boat safety equipment requirements for rowboats, kayaks, canoes, rowing shells or other human-powered boats.
- 1 PFD or lifejacket for every 1 person on board.
- 1 reboarding device.
- 1 buoyant heaving line that is 15 m or more in length.
- 1 bailer, 1 manual bilge pump, or bilge-pumping arrangements.
- 1 sound signalling device or appliance.
- Navigational lights.
- 1 magnetic compass.
- 1 radar reflector.
- If the boat is over 6 m in length, you must also carry 1 watertight flashlight and 6 flares of Type A, B, C, or D. Only two flares can be Type D.
Minimum boat safety equipment requirements for power boats and sail boats up to 6 m.
- 1 PFD or lifejacket for every 1 person on board.
- 1 reboarding device.
- 1 buoyant heaving line that is 15 m or more in length.
- 1 manual propelling device or 1 anchor and at least 15 m of chain, rope, or cable.
- 1 bailer or 1 manual bilge pump.
- 1 sound signalling device or appliance.
- Navigational lights.
- 1 magnetic compass.
- 1 radar reflector.
- 1 5BC fire extinguisher if the boat is equipped with an inboard engine, a fixed fuel tank of any size, or a fuel-burning appliance.
- If the boat has a motor, you must also carry 1 watertight flashlight and 3 flares of Type A, B, C, or D. Only one flare can be Type D.
As a boat grows in size, the rules and regulations will change and require more safety equipment.
It is very important to check online before heading out on the boat to make sure your boat safety equipment is up-to-date with current rules and regulations.
Before You Head Out On The Water, Always Double Check Your Boat
Plan ahead before your trip to ensure that your boat is in working order and safe to operate. Additionally, you should check to ensure there is no unpredictable weather. This includes thunderstorms or heavy winds.
Remember that operating a boat carries the same fines and penalties as operating any other vehicle, such as a car. Canada’s Criminal Code applies to boating as well. It covers infractions such as operating a boat while impaired, operating an unseaworthy boat, or failure to stop at the scene of an accident. The Canada Shipping Act is the official law that governs pleasure crafts and boats.
To learn more about the safe operation of a boat, or to brush up on your knowledge during boating season, Transport Canada has a great resource available online called the Safe Boating Guide. However, the Safe Boating Guide is not published every year, so it may not have the most up-to-date regulations. Every year, it’s important to research if any new rules or regulations have been put into place.
You can access the Safe Boating Guide here.
Just like with your vehicle or your home, when operating a boat, you are responsible for your individual safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of those around you.
De Rose’s Team Of Boating Accident Lawyers Will Help You Get The Care And Compensation You Deserve If You’ve Been In An Accident
In the case of boating accidents, questions of liability will often arise. Therefore, it is important to speak to a lawyer about the circumstances of your accident as soon as possible.
Navigating the legal system can be intimidating and complex. However, with De Rose Lawyers by your side, you can be sure our expert team will help you receive the compassionate support, maximum benefits, and full compensation that you deserve.
De Rose Lawyers will guide you through the complex legal, medical and insurance related issues. We’ll alleviate stress, and only involve you when necessary so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
As highly dedicated personal injury lawyers with 40 years of combined experience, De Rose Lawyers will work with you to educate you on the details of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve to restore stability in your life.