Acts, Regulations and Code, governing Pleasure Craft Operators

Enforcement:
(The following information has been gleaned from Transport Canada's, Safe Boating Guide TP 511E (01/2009)
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, provincial & municipal police forces and other authorities enforce laws that apply to boats.  Often riding together, officers may inspect your boat and monitor your boating activities to make sure that requirements are being met.  This may include checking for Safety Equipment, your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, Alcohol, Fishing Licences, Park Permits, and Careless Operation on the water.  Police and government vessels will display a Blue Flashing Light.

Fines
Here is a list of some boating offences along with the associated fines.  (Published in 2009, Administrative charges are not shown)
Some boating offences can result in fines to both the operator of the boat as well as to the person who allowed the operation of the boat.  An example of this would be allowing someone under the age of 16 to operate your Personal Water Craft (PWC)

You can find a complete list of boating offences and fines under the Contravention's Regulations by visiting www.boatingsafety.gc.ca

Boating Laws and Regulations:

Canada's Criminal Code applies to boating too.  Common offences are presented later under the chapter, Prohibited Behaviour.

The Canada Shipping Act, 2001 is the law that, along with its regulations, governs pleasure craft.  It includes the requirements of some international agreements that govern the conduct of all vessels.  The titles of important regulations affecting pleasure craft under this law are;

• Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations
  
• Collision Regulations
  
• Small Vessel Regulations
  
• Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (replaced the Boating Restrictions Regulations)
  
• Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals