9 Vital Canadian Boating Laws and Regulations to Know

Boasting the world’s longest coastline and a range of freshwater lakes, Canada is a haven for boating enthusiasts. Canadian authorities have developed vital watercraft laws and regulations to ensure residents and tourists can have a wonderful time. The Canada Shipping Act of 2021 governs all pleasure craft. Here is a list we have compiled but always consult your local authorities if in doubt.

It doesn’t matter if your new to boating and just purchasing your first new boat, renting your boat, or have been boating all your life, when it comes to the laws they are in place to keep you safe and are the same for everyone.

Top Canada Boating Laws for Residents and Tourists

Here are some of the top laws and regulations you should be aware of:

Pleasure Craft Licenses Are Mandatory

If your pleasure craft you bought for recreational purposes has one or multiple motors with an accumulative 10 horsepower or more, it has to be licensed. This includes any craft that is pulled behind your boat, such as a dinghy. The boater receives a license with a unique number that expires in 10 years. But please keep in mind that a license is not proof of ownership.

Besides meeting regulations, the boating license will also give the Canadian coast guard access to info on your personal watercraft in case you are lost at sea. While you can just register your boat, the license will ensure your safety, so it is vital.

Age and Operator Regulations

Individuals under 16 years of age are prohibited from operating a pleasure craft in Canadian waterways but under specific horsepower limits. For instance, a 12-year-old pleasure craft operator, under the direct supervision of at least a 16-year-old, can legally operate a boat powered by a 10 hp or higher motor. Similarly, individuals older than 12 but younger than 16 years of age can operate a boat with a 40 hp motor and no more. Individuals 16 years of age or older can man a personal boat without direct supervision. However, these restrictions don’t apply to Nunavut.

Proof of Competency

Even if you are a non-resident in Canada, you must have proof of competency on board when you are operating a pleasure craft. You can get a hefty fine if you don’t have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or a Canadian boating license. The Department of Transport should approve the card, but a safety checklist can also be used as proof of competency.

Boating Under the Influence

Operating a boat under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is illegal in Canada. You can incur a hefty fine or jail time if your blood alcohol level exceeds .08%. Passengers can legally drink alcohol in certain circumstances on board if the boat:

• Has sleeping facilities
• Has a cooking setup
• Is anchored or secured by the side of a dock
• Has an unmovable toilet

Speed Restrictions

Canada’s boating speed limits (10 km/hr within 30 miles of shore within boundaries) apply to certain provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Manitoba. But there are exceptions:

• Your boat is on waters with different speed limits
• You are operating your boat on rivers, canals, or buoyed channels that are less than 100 miles wide
• Recreational towing

Consult Vessel Operating Restrictions for Canadian boaters for more information.

Mandatory Safety Equipment

You can ensure your and your passengers’ safety and prevent violations if you have the following safety equipment on board:

• An approved lifejacket or personal floatation device for each passenger and yourself. A lifejacket is mandatory
• A buoyant heaving line that is at least 15 meters long or long enough for your boat
• An anchor or manual propelling device
• A handpump or bailer in case you take on water
• Proper navigation lights if you are out on the water after dark or the sun sets before you return to the dock
• A fire extinguisher
• A flashlight (waterproof)
• Life buoys with the Transport Canada stamp or label. These should be at least 24” in diameter.
• Distress flares approved by Transport Canada. Remember, these are usable four years from the manufacturing date and should be disposed of responsibly. Only use flares if you are not easy to spot out on the water.

These are basic safety equipment that every vessel should have. Ask the coast guard or research safety equipment required for specific watercraft for Canadian waters.

Reduce Engine Noise

Unless your vessel has a stock outboard motor, make sure it has a muffler that can reduce engine noise. It is mandatory for all boats operating within 5 nautical miles from shore. However, this law doesn’t apply to boats manufactured before January 1st, 1960, or if you are participating in a competition or preparing for one.

Regulation for Historic Waterways

All boats that visit historic waterways and canals in Canada should have appropriately sized mooring lines and floating fenders that can be easily secured. Some of the other regulations you need to follow around these areas include the following:

• No towing activities or water skiing within 100 miles of a lock structure
• No loud noises between 11 pm and 6 am
• No rambunctious activities such as jumping, diving, or swimming in a navigation channel within 40 miles of a lock gate or structure
• You cannot moor your vessel to a navigation aid

Recreation Activity Restrictions

If you provide water skiing and other water-based recreational activities (such as parasailing, tubing, kneeboarding, etc.) from your boat, you must follow regulations to prevent fines. Here are some you should keep in mind:

• Don’t tow anyone in low visibility conditions or an hour before or after sunset
• Make sure you have a spotter on board who can supervise people on and off the boat
• Towing boats shouldn’t be controlled remotely
• All passengers should have an empty seat they can sit in after they return from a towing activity
• Only tow two people in your personal boat made to hold three or more passengers
• Make sure all passengers have life jackets and provide them if they don’t have any

By following Canadian boating laws, you can prove your competency as a boat owner and operator, whether you are a resident or non-resident. You can also avoid hefty fines or worse, which can ruin your experience. Keep restriction regulations in mind so you can have a fun time.