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Operating ResponsiblyWhat Are My Responsibilities?Drugs, Alcohol and BoatingUsing Common SenseAs a Canadian pleasure craft operator, you are expectedIf you drink – don’t drive. The same applies whetherYou are required by law to operate your craft in ato know the rules and regulations that govern Canada’syou’re driving a car, a boat, a PWC or any other type ofsafe and courteous manner. You should alwayswaterways. You are responsible for equipping yourselfmotorized vehicle. Consuming alcohol, drugs or otherchoose a safe operating speed and use common sense,and for operating your boat in a safe and courteouscontrolled substances can significantly impair yourespecially when operating close to shore. Consider themanner. You are also responsible for ensuring the safetyability to safely operate your pleasure craft. Doing sofollowing when operating your craft:of your passengers and other boaters.will not only put your own life at risk, but will also risk-Your distance from shore-Water and wind speed conditions-Visibility conditions-Local hazards and obstructionsrecord and, even for the first offence, will result in-The amount of boat traffic in the vicinitysignificant fines. Most provinces have fines from 300-Posted speed limits-The performance and capabilities of your craft-Your level of skill and experiencethe lives of your fellow boaters.Operating a pleasure craft anywhere in Canada whileimpaired is an offence under Section 253 of theCriminal Code of Canada. Charges result in a criminalto 2,000 and can restrict your operation of anymotorized vehicle for 6 months to 3 years. Offenderscan also be sent to prison. Remember: Alcohol, drugsand boating don’t mix.Provinces and territories enforce their own rules andconditions on when alcohol can be consumed and howit can be transported on a boat. For more informationoperators should contact their local authorities.Operating Responsibly 17

Instructing Your PassengersAssisting Fellow Boaters in DistressLending Your Pleasure Craft or PWCAs a pleasure craft operator you are responsible forPleasure craft operators are required by law to comeAs a pleasure craft owner, you are responsible any timethe safety of your passengers. You should explain whatto the aid of fellow boaters in distress:you lend your pleasure craft or PWC. Ensure that:--their responsibilities and duties are in the event of anemergency, and instruct them on safe behavior whilemaintain a look-out for signals that indicateunderway.Instruct your passengers on the following:When operating your craft you should alwaysdistress and need of assistance-How to operate the craft in case of emergency-The location of the craft’s emergency kit-How to rescue a person overboard-How to properly use an approved PFD or LifejacketBe sure that your passengers understand they should:boating rules and is a responsible person-If you are involved in a collision you are obligatedby the Criminal Code of Canada to stop and-The person borrowing your craft understandsThe person borrowing your craft has a PleasureCraft Operator Card-He or she is wearing an approved PFD or Lifejacketoffer assistance-If you identify any persons found at sea and indanger of being lost, your are required by theYou should also review the following:-Any local hazards or obstructionslong as it doesn’t put your own craft and/or-Navigation and right-of-way rulespassengers at risk-The location of all required safety equipmentCanada Shipping Act to render assistance in soonboard your craft-Always wear an approved PFD or Lifejacket-Be aware that the effects of sunlight, motion,waves, wind and sound can impair judgement-Keep close to the centreline and as low as possiblewhen moving around in the craft-Keep hands and feet inside the craft whendeparting or returning to the dock18Refrain from consuming alcohol while onboardOperating ResponsiblyThe handling characteristics of your craft

Code, Acts and RegulationsCode, Acts and RegulationsCanada Shipping ActSeveral major acts and regulations govern pleasureThe main provisions for recreational boating in CanadaThe Canada Shipping Act is the “umbrella” act undercraft operators in Canada and ensure the safe use andare contained in the Canada Shipping Act and thewhich all boating regulations are developed in Canada.enjoyment of Canada’s waterways. Marine acts,Criminal Code of Canada. Additional boating regulationsIt incorporates international and federal laws andregulations and code have the force of law andare issued under the authority of the Canadaregulates all vessels operating on Canadian waterways.apply to all pleasure craft operators. Violating themShipping Act.For Examplecould not only cause personal and public injury, butcould result in fines, penalties and imprisonment.Persons visiting from outside Canada and operatingOne of the main provisions of the act is to call on everypower-driven vessels licensed or rented in Canada arepleasure craft operator, in so far as he/she can do soThey are:required to follow Canadian laws and regulations. Whenwithout serious danger to their craft or passengers, to-The Criminal Code of Canadatraveling abroad and operating pleasure craft licensedrender assistance to other boaters in distress.-The Canada Shipping Act including the:or registered in another country, Canadian citizens are- Small Vessel Regulationsrequired to obey the laws in the host country.- Collision Regulations- Boating Restriction Regulations- Charts & Nautical Publications Regulations- Competency of Operators of PleasureCraft Regulations-The Contraventions ActCode, Acts and Regulations 19

Small Vessel RegulationsCharts & Nautical Publications RegulationsBoating Restrictions RegulationsThe Small Vessel Regulations outline the power limitsCharts and nautical publications provide the informationThe Boating Restrictions Regulations imposeand licensing requirements for all recreational vessels.necessary in order to safely navigate Canada’s lakes,standardized speed limits, shoreline speed zones andThe regulations also stipulate the minimum mandatoryrivers and waterways. The Charts and Nauticalhorsepower limits. The regulations also limit wheresafety equipment required onboard at all times (asPublications Regulations require pleasure craftcertain types of boats may or may not be permitted todetermined by the size of the craft). In all, the Smalloperators to have onboard at all times the mostoperate in Canada. Many of the regulations containedVessel Regulations govern five key areas:recent editions of:within the Boating Restrictions Regulations are local-Construction Standards--Safe Operating Rules-Required Safety Equipment-Required Maintenance-Registration and LicensingThe largest scale charts for the area thatthey navigate-The required publications for the area thatthey navigate-The required documents for the area thatthey navigateMarine Charts are published by the CanadianHydrographic Service, Department of Fisheries andOceans and are available for purchase at your localmarine dealer or on the internet.20Code, Acts and Regulationsin nature.

Contraventions ActCollision RegulationsCriminal Code of CanadaThe Contraventions Act enables local authorities to writeThe Collision Regulations stipulate the rules preventingThe Criminal Code of Canada enables law enforcementtickets for offences that result in a fine but not acollisions on the high seas and inland waterways. Asauthorities to charge boat operators for criminalcriminal record. Examples include:such, the Collision Regulations govern the following:offences. The Criminal Code:---Disregarding speed limitsNavigation-Careless operation-Speed restrictions-Operating without the prescribed safety equipment-Right-of-way rules-Look-out rulesStipulates that a pleasure craft operator is requiredto stop and offer assistance when the operator hasbeen involved in a collision.Typically, fines under the Contraventions Act rangebetween 100 and 200. Fines depend on the type ofinfraction and the number of violations. You shouldcheck with local authorities to determine how theContraventions Act is applied in your province.For ExampleStipulates that vessels are prohibited from beingoperated in a manner that is dangerous to thepublicFor ExampleThe operator of a pleasure craft must always maintain aproper look-out by sight and hearing at all times as-Prohibits false emergency signals or messages-Prohibits operators from interfering with marinedescribed in the Collision Regulations, Rule 5.signals and navigation aids-Requires that a person other than the operatorMost local law enforcement agencies have adopted amust keep watch of any person being towed (suchzero tolerance policy when determining fines for thoseas a water-skier)operating without the proper type or number of PFDsand/or Lifejackets. In participating provinces, thiscontravention could cost you over 200 for each-Prohibits the towing of water-skiers after dark-Prohibits the operation of a vessel which is knownto be in unseaworthy conditionviolation.-Prohibits the operation of a vessel while under theinfluence of drugs, alcohol or controlled substancesCode, Acts and Regulations 21

Protecting the EnvironmentGreen Boating TipsProtecting the environment isn’t difficult – it only5) Use Environmentally Friendly Cleaningtakes your attention and commitment. As an environ-Productsmentally responsible boater always be sure to:Never use detergents that contain phosphatewhen cleaning your boat. Phosphate is a nutrient1) Keep Your Bilge Cleanthat promotes extreme growth of aquaticBilge water can contain fuel, lubricants andmicro-organisms. Choose biodegradableother chemicals that can be harmful to thecleaning products and use sparingly.Protecting the Aquatic Environmentenvironment. Never empty your bilge into theBoating is a privilege – not a right. As a boater youwater. Use bagged sorbent materials that absorbshould do your part to respect Canada’s waterways andfuel and oil and properly dispose of waste at aWashprotect our natural aquatic environments.licensed facility.Be aware that your boat’s wake and propeller6) Minimize The Effects Of Your Wake andwash can damage shoreline environments andCanada’s aquatic environment is protected by severallaws, including the Fisheries Act. It is an offence todeposit or permit the deposit of any material that canhave a negative effect on fish and their habitat.Canadian boaters are also required by law to reportincidents and evidence of pollution.2) Do Not Pump Sewage Into ConfinedWaterwayscause shoreline erosion. Reduce operating speednear shore and when close to natural habitats.Use a holding tank to store sewage until it canbe properly disposed of at an approved facility. It7) Report Incidents of Pollutionis against the law to pump sewage into confinedIncidents and evidence of pollution should bewaterways.reported to the Canadian Coast Guard:3) Dispose of Garbage Ashore-(800) 563-2444Never throw your garbage overboard. Stow yourgarbage for disposal on your return home. Man-Newfoundland-made materials such as plastic kills thousandsP.E.I., Nova Scotia and New Brunswick(800) 565-1633of aquatic animals every year and takes decadesto decompose.-Quebec(800) 363-47354) Take Care When Refueling-Use caution when fueling your craft. Never spillOntario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan,Alberta, N.W.T. and Nunavitgas or oil into the water. Wipe up any spilled fuel(800) 265-0237with a rag. Use a funnel when filling yourengine’s oil tank or when filling a portablegas tank.22 Protecting the Environment-British Columbia, Yukon(800) 889-8852

Module 1 SummaryCanadian boating rules and regulations have been implemented to protect the safety of pleasure craft operators and toestablish operating and navigation standards to which all boaters must comply. The rules and regulations are also designedto protect Canada’s natural aquatic environments.All pleasure craft operators in Canada are obligated to learn and and abide by Canadian boating rules and regulations.Remember, you should always use courtesy and common sense when operating your craft and come to the aid of fellowboaters in distress. By taking the time and care to operate your craft in a safe and responsible manner you’ll reduce theburden on Canada’s search and rescue organizations and increase safe and enjoyable boating for all!For in-depth information on Canadian boating rules and regulations and text copies of each of legislation, please contactthe Boating Safety Information line at 1-800-267-6687 or visit www.ccg-gcc.gc.caModule 1 Summary 23

Module 1 Review Boating in Canada: Rules and RegulationsAnswers on Page 1291) All operators of Personal Watercraft (PWCs) will need to obtain their Pleasure7) The Small Vessel Regulations require that certain pleasure crafts be licensed.Craft Operator Card by 15 September 2002.Which are they?True or False?A - All craft over 6 m in lengthB - All craft over 10 m in length that are power-driven2) You should maintain a look out for distress signals only duringperiods of poor weather.C - All craft that are able to transport passengersD - All craft regardless of their type or lengthTrue of False?8) The Canada Shipping Act requires all operators to offer assistance to other3) Personal Watercraft (PWCs) do not need to be registered.True of False?boaters in distress. Under what circumstances are you required to help?A - Only if you are operating a larger craft than the one in distressB - Only if you can do so without placing yourself or your passengers in danger4) What type or size of vessels must be equipped with a Capacity Plate?A - All vessels that can be powered by an engine of 10 hp or moreC - Only if you have a marine radioD - Only if the other boater is in danger of serious injuryB - All vessels that can be fitted with an engineC - All vessels over 10 m that can be powered by an engine of 10 hp or moreD - All vessels over 10 tons9) Which of the following governs navigation rules on Canadian waterways?A - The Small Vessel RegulationsB - The Collision Regulations5) Which act, code or regulation requires that safety equipment be carried onboard at all times?C - The Charts and Nautical Publications RegulationsD - The Contraventions ActA - The Criminal Code of CanadaB - The Small Vessel Regulations10) When do operators of personal watercraft (PWCs) need to obtain theirC - The Boating Restriction RegulationsPleasure Craft Operator Card?D - The Collision RegulationsA - Only if under 16 years of ageB - As of 15 September 20026) Who is responsible if you lend your boat to a friend?A - Both you and the person who borrowed your craftB - You aloneC - The person who borrowed your craftD - Neither you nor the person who borrowed your craft24Module 1 ReviewC - As of 15 September 2009D - You do not require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to operate a PWC

module 2Boating Basics: Terminology and EquipmentIn This Module You’ll Learn:The different types of pleasure craftVessel and equipment terminologyPersonal safety equipment requirements including PFDs and LifejacketsBoat safety equipment requirements for different types and size of craftDistress equipment requirementsNavigation equipment requirementsBOATsmart! Canada module 2

The Basics26Who is an Operator?What is a Pleasure Craft?What is a Power-Driven Craft?An “operator” is considered to be the person who is inA “pleasure craft” is any vessel, ship, boat or other typeAny vessel propelled by a motor or propelling machineryeffective control of the pleasure craft and who isof watercraft that is used exclusively for pleasure oris considered to be a power-driven craft. This definitionresponsible for it’s operation. As a pleasure craftrecreation. If the craft carries goods or passengers forincludes pleasure sailing craft operating under theoperator you are responsible for yourself, yourhire, payment, reward or profit it is considered apower of a motor. It is important to know the distinctionpassengers, your vessel and for the safety of yourcommercial craft. Crafts used for commercial purposesbetween power-driven craft and sail-powered craft.fellow boaters.are subject to alternative rules and regulations forDifferent navigation and equipment rules apply foroperation on Canadian waterways.each type of craft.The Basics

What is a Sailing Vessel?What is a Personal Watercraft?The HullThe Small Vessel Regulations defines a pleasure sailingPersonal Watercraft (PWCs) are equipped with anThe “hull” of a boat is the portion of the craft that ridescraft (sailboat) as any vessel that is under the power ofinboard engine and are propelled by an internalin, or on top of the water. The hull does not include anysail. Sailboats operating with an engine or propellingjet-propulsion system. Because of their size andmasts, sails, rigging, machinery or equipment. Severalmachinery (if so equipped) are considered to bemethod of propulsion, PWCs have unique handlingtypes of hulls can be found on both power-driven andpower-driven vessels and are subject to the rulescharacteristics compared to traditional power-drivensailing craft:and regulations that govern powered craft.craft. For example, PWCs cannot steer unless throttle-power is applied by the operator.A Planing Hull is designed to lift (or plane) ontothe top of the water as the boat gains speed. Mostsmall powerboats utilize planing type hulls-A Displacement Hull is designed to travel throughthe water using an efficient amount of propulsion.Larger vessels are typically designed withdisplacement hulls because of their large sizeand drafts-A Pontoon Hull utilizes two or more pontoons tocreate lift and flotation. Pontoon hulls typically haveflat decks and may be fitted with or withouta cabinThe Basics 27

DefinitionsHull ConfigurationsDefinitionsThe shape or configuration of a boat’s hull greatlyBowDraftaffects its performance. Operators should be able toThe forward part or front section of a pleasure craft isDraft is defined as the depth of water that a boat needsidentify the design of a hull and understand its uniquedefined as the bow.in order to float freely. A boat’s draft is measured as thehandling characteristics:-of the hull. If a vessel is equipped with an outboardThe rearward part or rear section of a pleasure craft ismotor or stern drive, the draft is the distance from thedefined as the stern.waterline to the lowest point on the engine.Flat-Bottom: Typical to some ski-boats or smallerTransomFreeboardcraft like rowboats, flat-bottom hulls offer a moreThe stern cross-section of a boat. The transom formsFreeboard is considered to be the distance from the topstable platform but tend to “bounce” or “slap” thethe back of the boat.of the deck to the waterline.Round-Bottom: Typical to sailboats, round-bottomhulls are not as stable and tend to roll in waves andrough water conditions-water in rough conditions-Vee-Bottom: The most common type ofpower-boat hull, a vee-bottom hull is shapedlike a “v” and can cut through rough water-Multi-Chine Hull: Multi-hull craft, such ascatamarans, are very stable but can be moredifficult to manoeuvre28distance from the vessel’s waterline to the lowest pointSternDefinitions

Outboard EngineInboard/Outboard EngineLengthAn outboard engine is fixed to the transom (stern) of aAn “inboard/outboard” engine is mounted within theA boat’s length is defined as the distance from the tipboat. The operator steers the craft by moving the entirehull of the craft. The lower unit, which consists of theof the bow to the farthest point on the stern (measuredengine and drive assembly. Outboard engines come in apropeller and drive assembly, is mounted on thein a straight line). If the boat is eq

Pleasure Craft Operator Card. In addition, youths under the age of 16 are not permitted to operate a PWC (regardless of whether they are accompanied by an adult or have obtained their Pleasure Craft Operator Card). 15 September 2009 As of 15 September 2009,all operators of power-driven craftwill be required