Are you familiar with the Boating Safety regulations?
When navigating on a body of water, you must be very familiar with the regulations that apply to boating and know all about safe and responsible boating practices.
Your are invited to read the SAFE BOATING GUIDE published by Transport Canada.
Pleasure Craft
Pleasure Craft License
Every pleasure craft must have a Pleasure Craft Licence, with the following exceptions:
- a pleasure craft using a motor with less than 10 horsepower (7.5 kW)
- a pleasure craft that has a vessel registration
- a pleasure craft that was purchased less than 90 days previously (this is a grace period, during which the new owner must carry documentation with their name and address and the purchase date)
Horsepower restrictions for youth
In addition to the requirement to carry a document serving as proof of competency, boat operators under the age of 16 must also comply with other requirements. Restrictions are imposed on the horsepower (hp) (or kilowatt (kW)) capacity of the motor of the boat they wish to operate.
- Youth under the age of 12 with no direct supervision may only operate a boat with a motor of up to 10 hp/7.5 kW
- Youth aged 12–15 with no direct supervision may only operate a boat with a motor of up to 40 hp/30 kW
- Youth under the age of 16, regardless of supervision, may not operate a personal watercraft (PWC)
“Direct supervision” means a person 16 years of age or older is in the boat and directly supervising the operator.