Boating Safety

Regulations implemented in 2009 by the Federal Government  mandates that  individuals operating a motorized pleasure craft must have a P.C.O.C., or Pleasure Craft Operator's Certificate. You must also, if a VHF Marine radio is installed on your boat, have a Restricted Radio Operator's Certificate.

In addition, all vessels must comply with regulations that specify the type of equipment which is mandatory aboard, such as Personal Flotation Devices, lights required on the vessel, fire extinguishers, etc.

You can find the Safe Boating Guide issued by Transport Canada here. It is a PDF file, so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open it, or you can read it on-line here.

New regulations implemented in 2011 provide for a much more stringent test for the P.C.O.C., including a requirement for study time. Only about 40% of pleaure boat operators in Canada currently have the P.C.O.C., in spite of the fact that a $250 fine can be levied if it cannot be produced upon request by a law enforcement officer.