by Terri Mackinnon
I was recently asked about the new boating regulation changes and how the changes would affect the average weekend
warrior operating on the waterways around U.S and Canada. Although I really didn't feel I knew the full answer to what the
new rules were, I set out to find some of the answers.
It seemed that it was not going to be
a quick and easy answer to my quest. There were regulations changing everywhere. In the U.S. it would depend on the state
that you were in to follow the change that had already taken place or was going to take place. Canada had also set its own
standard to be followed and by September 2009 full licensing will be required.
I found the following
information on the website of Boater Exam and it was extremely helpful. I also found that
the site itself was also very user friendly. I would highly recommend that you investigate your own country or state regulations
through Boater Exam.
Boating Licenses ARE available for the following areas and I would suggest
that you take the opportunity to purchase yours online. You will have immediate access to having your license and making sure
that you are meeting the requirements for your area.
To find out more about your Canadian Licenses:
U.S States information and licensing can be found at: www.boaterexam.com/usa
For the following states: Alabama Alaska California Colorado Delaware District of Columbia
Florida Georgia Indiana Kansas Kentucky Mississippi Montana Nevada New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma
Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina South Dakota
Tennessee Utah Virginia Washington West Virginia
Wyoming
This information was extremely useful from the Canadian Boater Exam site.
Question and Answers regarding Canadian Pleasure Craft Licenses - each state will also have independent information:
Q. Why do boaters now need to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
A. Recreational boating
is a favorite pastime in Canada with between seven and nine million people enjoying Canadian waterways each year. Sadly, not
every boating excursion is a return trip: Over 200 boating fatalities occur each year along with an estimated 6,000 non-fatal
accidents - most of them preventable. The general public and pleasure boaters had expressed concern that anyone of any age
could operate a watercraft without having any prior boating experience. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card regulations are an
attempt to reduce the number of boating related accidents & fatalities. The goal of the program is to encourage boaters
to evaluate their capabilities and limits, to prepare themselves adequately before heading out, and to be responsible on the
water.
Q. Who needs the Pleasure Craft Operator Card and when?
A.
All operators of powered watercraft used for recreational purposes within Canada will eventually require the card. The following
three groups of boaters require the card IMMEDIATELY:
- All operators of any powered watercraft
under 4m in length (13.1ft)
- All operators of PWC's (i.e.: sea-doos and jet skis)
- All operators of any powered watercraft born after April 1, 1983
As of September
15, 2009 all boaters will be required to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card in order to operate a powered watercraft. There
is no grandfather clause or age exemption - this law applies to all boaters. Powered watercraft includes watercraft fitted
with any size motor - even a trolling motor.
Q. What is the difference between a Pleasure Craft
Operator Card and a Pleasure Craft License?
A. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card applies to the
driver of the boat, while a Pleasure Craft License applies to the boat itself.
A Pleasure Craft
Licence is the number placed on the side of each recreational vessel as required under the Small Vessel Regulations of the
Canada Shipping Act. The number is used to assist law enforcement and search and rescue organizations in identifying each
individual pleasure craft.
You can apply for a Pleasure Craft License at any Service Canada Centre
across the country. For the location nearest you, visit http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/ or call 1.800.O-CANADA.
Q. Do I need a driver's license to operate a watercraft?
A. No, a driver's license is not required to operate a watercraft. You do require your Pleasure Craft Operator Card
on board with you while operating a powered watercraft.
Q. What are the penalties and/or fines
if you do not have your card?
A. Fines for common boating offences*:
- Operating a vessel in a careless manner - $250
- Speeding - $100
- Underage operation of a personal watercraft - $100
- Operating a power-driven pleasure
craft without the required Pleasure Craft Operator Card - $250
- Insufficient number of approved,
appropriately sized flotation devices - $200 for each absent device
* Source Transport Canada
Q. How will this law be enforced and by Who?
A. The law will be enforced by peace officers.
The law requires that the operator of a powered watercraft carry his Pleasure Craft Operator Card, as well as proof of age,
with him at all times.
Q. My boat is over 4m. Why should I get the card now?
A. There are many advantages to having the card now, such as:
- Without the card,
you cannot operate PWC's or powered boats under 4m (13.1 ft). This law applies not only to the boats you own, but also to
any boats you operate (such as a friend's or neighbour's boat).
- You may be eligible for a reduction
in marine insurance if you have your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Verify with your insurance company
- The Card is good for life.
- The Card is recognized across Canada.
Q. Is there a grandfather clause or age exemption?
A. No, there is no grandfather clause
or age exemption - this law applies to all operators, regardless of age.
Q. I have a sailboat.
Do I need an Operator Card?
A. If you have an auxiliary engine fitted to your sailboat, then
you need the Card. This applies even while you are under sail.
Q. Do Native Americans or Inuit
people need to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
A. Yes, unless the boat is being used for
sustenance reasons (such as hunting or fishing). A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is only required for recreational boating
activities.
Q. I operate a boat for work purposes. Do I need the Card?
A.
No. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is only required by operators of watercraft being used for recreational purposes. It is
common however for many commercial establishments (such as marinas, and fishing & hunting lodges) to ask their staff to
obtain their Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
Q. What if I don't live in Canada, but boat there?
A. Non-residents only need to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card if they are operating a powered boat in Canadian
waters for more than 45 consecutive days (this includes rented boats) or if the boat they are operating is registered or licensed
in Canada. Boater Education Cards or equivalent certifications are recognized in Canada. Proper identification should be kept
on board at all times to provide proof of residency.
Q. What about horsepower restriction for
children?
Age
Power Restrictions
Under
12 years of age, and not directly supervised
Can operate vessels with under 10 hp
Between 12 years and under 16 years of age, and not directly supervised
Can operate vessels
with under 40 hp
Under 16 years of age
Not allowed to operate a PWC
16 years of age and over
No power restrictions
Q. Why do
operators of smaller boats need the card now, but not yet for bigger boats?
A. The law is phased
in gradually - by 2009 all operators of all powered pleasure craft will require the card (regardless of their age, the length
of their boat, or the size of their motor).
Q. What if I rent a powerboat or PWC?
A. Currently, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is not required in order to operate a rented watercraft. Instead, it
is sufficient for a renter to complete a rental safety checklist. Take note however that some companies have made it their
corporate policy to require renters to have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Below is a sample copy of a rental safety
checklist.
Q. Are these laws federal or provincial?
A. The laws governing the
Pleasure Craft Operator Card are a federal requirement, and apply in all provinces. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card obtained
in one province is equivalent to a Pleasure Craft Operator Card obtained in another province.
Q.
Where can I boat with the Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
A. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card allows
Canadian citizens to operate their watercrafts recreationally on all Canadian waters where permitted.
The
fines for not having your Pleasure Craft Operator Card on board with you vary province by province; it may be as high as $250.
Please check with your local enforcement detachment for more information.
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