Anyone who operates a pleasure craft must carry Proof of Competency. This means that you have a basic knowledge of boating regulations and equipment and that this knowledge will help you operate a pleasure craft safely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Proof of Competency might include: Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is the most common way of showing proof of competency. You can obtain a card by taking a boating safety class (online or in person) from an approved course provider such as Canada Boat Safety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Obtaining a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is a three-step process: Visit https:\/\/canadaboatsafety.com\/<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Age and Operation of Pleasure Craft<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Except for the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, you must be at least 16 years of age to operate a pleasure craft without horsepower limits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Persons under 12 years of age who are not directly supervised by a person 16 years of age or older may only operate a pleasure craft propelled by a motor of no more than ten hp (7.5 kW). You must be 16 years of age or older to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boating in the Southern Provinces<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Canada’s different provinces offer unique boating experiences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alberta<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The combination of sunny weather and over 16,000 square kilometres of lakes, rivers, and streams make Alberta a premier boating destination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the top destinations in Alberta: Get you Alberta Boating License<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n British Columbia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Located on the west coast of Canada, British Columbia boating can involve sailing around Vancouver Island and into the vast Pacific Ocean. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Popular Inland waterways in British Columbia are: Get your BC Boating License<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian waters extend 12 miles from shore, and then you are sailing in international waters. You’ll need to consult your maritime charts and maps to determine where you are in the water and whose laws you must obey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the three waters of the high seas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Territorial Waters<\/strong>: Up 12 miles from the country’s shore, that country’s rules apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contiguous Zone Waters<\/strong>: The nation’s laws can apply up to 24 miles from the coast of a country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n International Waters<\/strong>: More than 24 miles offshore is called the high seas and international waters. The laws of the country where your boat is registered and the flag you fly dictates the rules you must follow<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you cross into the waters of another country off the coast, you must follow all Canadian laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manitoba<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Manitoba has over 100,000 lakes plus countless rivers and streams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest is Lake Winnipeg, number ten on the list of large freshwater lakes worldwide. It is over 24,500 square kilometres. It’s a relatively shallow lake with an average depth of 39 feet. The lake is 416 km from north to south and has sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, and bat caves along the shore. \u00a0 Get your Manitoba Boating License<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n New Brunswick<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n New Brunswick offers gorgeous sailing on coastal waters with vast waters, rivers, lakes, and bays. New Brunswick is a boater’s paradise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bay of Fundy is located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Whales have been seen feeding at the mouth and into the bay. Several wildlife and wilderness areas are incredible for bird-watching. The tidal range of the bay is about 16 metres, so pay attention to the high and low tides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other boating destinations include: Get your New Brunswick Boating License<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nova Scotia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other side of the Bay of Fundy, you’ll find the province of Nova Scotia. While connected by land to New Brunswick, the rest of Nova Scotia is surrounded by water. One can cruise the Northumberland Strait by Prince Edward Island, head north to the Gulf of St Lawrence, or set out east into the Atlantic Ocean. Inland, there are over 1,000 other lakes in the province, including: Be sure to follow the rules and regulations of international waters should you plan on heading to the high seas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get your Nova Scotia Boating License<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ontario<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ontario has over 400,000 lakes, rivers, and streams, including: Each of these waterways has its own unique boating experience. As always, pay attention to posted signs and buoys, do your homework, and be aware of your surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boating Near the US Border<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When boating on the southern border of Ontario, it’s important to be aware of the rules concerning border crossings and the waterways in both the United States and Canada. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The boundaries are not marked in the middle of waterways, so be prepared if you cross into US waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you intend to anchor or tie up in the United States, you must report your arrival to the CBP (US Customs and Border Protection) before<\/strong> you touch land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you are cruising the waterways between Canada and the United States, the border patrol may request inspection and boarding of your vessel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you intend on docking on the US side of the border or not, have these items available: Get your Ontario Boating License<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Saskatchewan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Saskatchewan has over 100,000 lakes and rivers for boating, sailing, or water sports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the top boating spots are: Get your Saskatchewan Boating License<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Quebec<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Roughly 40% of adults in Quebec went boating go boating each year, which equates to nearly 2.8 million boaters. The province also accounts for almost a quarter of personal watercraft and outboard boats sold in\u00a0Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the top boating spots are:
\u2022 A Pleasure Craft Operator Card
\u2022 Proof that you passed a boating safety in Canada before April 1, 1999
\u2022 A certificate approved by the Department of Transport. Click here for a list of certificates: https:\/\/tc.canada.ca\/en\/marine-transportation\/marine-safety\/list-certificates-competency-training-certificates-other-equivalencies-accepted-proof-competency-when-operating-pleasure-craft<\/a>
\u2022 A completed safety checklist for a rented boat \u2013 good only while the boat is rented<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Take an online boating course
2. Pass a multiple-choice test with a 75% grade
3. Print your temporary card (a permanent card will be sent in the mail)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Persons at least 12 years of age but under 16 years of age who are not directly supervised by a person 16 years of age or older may only operate a pleasure craft propelled by a motor of no more than 40 hp (30 kW).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Lake Newell
\u2022 Buffalo Lake \u2013 2 hours southeast of Edmonton
\u2022 Ghost Lake \u2013 west of Calgary
\u2022 Lake Minnewanka \u2013 in Banff National Park
\u2022 Sylvan Lake
\u2022 Lake Louise \u2013 power-boating is not permitted on this lake
\u2022 Athabasca River
\u2022 Lesser Slave Lake<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.canadaboatsafety.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Okanagan-Lake-1024x576.jpg\")
\u2022 Ruby Lake
\u2022 Sakinaw Lake
\u2022 Shawnigan Lake \u2013 On Vancouver Island
\u2022 Kalamalka Lake
\u2022 Christina Lake
\u2022 Mara Lake
\u2022 Okanagan Lake
\u2022 Atlin Lake
\u2022 Boating on the Pacific\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other popular boating spots in Manitoba are:
\u2022 Cedar Lake
\u2022 Lake Winnipegosis
\u2022 Lake Manitoba
\u2022 West Hawk Lake
\u2022 Hudson Bay<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 The Saint John River
\u2022 Grand Manan Island
\u2022 Gagetown
\u2022 Reversing Falls \u2013 near the mouth of the St John River as it dumps into the Bay of Fundy
\u2022 Miramichi River
\u2022 The Grand Lake<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Dollar Lake
\u2022 St. Margaret’s Bay
\u2022 Sydney River
\u2022 Bras d’Or Lake \u2013 one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world
\u2022 Lake Banook
\u2022 Lake Ainslie<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.canadaboatsafety.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Muskoka-1024x485.jpg\")
\u2022 Muskoka
\u2022 The 30,000 islands of the Georgian Bay
\u2022 Trent-Severn Waterway, where you can traverse through locks
\u2022 Rideau canal
\u2022 The St. Lawrence River
\u2022 Ottawa River
\u2022 Lake Nipissing
\u2022 The Great Lakes<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Boat licence number (or Registration)
\u2022 Boat name
\u2022 Boat length
For each person on board
\u2022 Name, date of birth
\u2022 Passport, NEXUS, FAST card, EDL\/EIC, or Secure Certificate of Indian status
\u2022 Dinghy licence and papers
\u2022 (other documentation required, i.e., pets)
\u2022 Value of declarable merchandise
\u2022 US marina at which you arrived or will arrive<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Lake Athabaska \u2013 this northern lake is on the border of Saskatchewan and Alberta
\u2022 Lac La Ronge \u2013 in the middle of the province
\u2022 Meadow Lake
\u2022 North Saskatchewan River
\u2022 Tobin Lake
\u2022 Last Mountain Lake
\u2022 Diefenbaker Lake
\u2022 Churchill River \u2013 where you can see the Nistowiak Falls
\u2022 Kipabiskau Regional Park<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Lake Saint Fran\u00e7ois
\u2022 Ungava Bay
\u2022 Saint Lawrence River
\u2022 Saint-Maurice River<\/p>\n\n\n\n