Acts, Regulations and Code, governing Pleasure Craft Operators

Contravention's Act:
The Contravention's Act allows police officers, or conservation officers, or persons appointed by the Minister of Transport, to ticket offenders.  A court appearance may not be required . . . if you pay the fine.
Criminal Code of Canada:

• The Criminal Code of Canada outlines several operator offences, presented in the chapter, Prohibited Behaviour.
  

• Outlines what  Safety Equipment must be carried onboard, its placement, and maintenance.  (tables are on the end pages of this presentation).
  
• Describes How and which pleasure craft are to be licensed (or registered) and identified.
  
• Prohibits Careless Operation of a pleasure craft.
  
• Requires that the vessel licence (or photocopy of it) be carried onboard.
  
• Prohibits towing a person during periods of restricted visibility.
  
• Requires that Personal Water Craft used for water-skiing, are designed to carry at least three people; the operator, the spotter (watch), and the recovered skier.
  
• Sets Construction Standards for recreational watercraft.
  

• For example; the dumping of oil, waste & chemicals are prohibited in all Canadian waters. Use bilge absorbents instead of detergents, do not pump oily bilge water overboard.  Use only paints & cleaners approved for marine use.  Collect paint scrapings and dispose of properly.
  
• Free-standing portable toilets (i.e. porta potty) are not permitted onboard.  Boats fitted with a toilet must have a holding tank, or, a marine sanitation device.  (Boats built prior to May 3, 2007 have until May 3, 2012 to comply.  Boats built on or after May 3, 2007 must comply now.
  
• If you accidentally discharge a harmful substance, or see pollution, contact the nearest Coast Guard Marine Radio Station, or call a marine pollution prevention officer at 1-800-265-0237.
  

New laws & regulations are passed every year.  Some may affect your future activities on the water.  It is your responsibility to stay informed!  One way you can stay informed is to obtain Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide, every year!  To order your free copy call: 1-888-830-4911