Get Legal On The Water

By Craig Nicholson

With lake ice gone earlier than normal, the boating season has already started. But many cottagers don’t know what boating regulations apply to their vessels, especially personal watercraft. Let’s start by clarifying that boating laws and regulations are under federal jurisdiction, although primarily enforced by provincial and regional police. Two boating “licences” are necessary for operating any pleasure craft powered by an engine 10 hp or more, each issued through Transport Canada.

Pleasure Craft Licence

A Pleasure Craft Licence is a no-cost, Canada-wide boat licence signified by a set of authorized numbers that must be placed on each side of your vessel’s hull for its lifetime. These numbers provide identification and assist in enforcement and emergencies. But this licence is not registered proof of ownership. Think of it as the licence plate for your boat or jet ski and don’t get caught without it.

When you buy a new boat or PWC from a dealer, the dealer usually takes care of this process and affixing your new licence numbers. Alternatively, a PWC owner can obtain a Pleasure Craft License online directly from Transport Canada. Either way, this licence is valid for 10 years and if you sell your vessel, the numbers stay with it. The new owner must apply for a licence transfer.

Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card

Sometimes erroneously referred to as a “boating licence” or “boater’s licence”, the Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card is proof of competency to operate a vessel and also acts as personal ID when you are not carrying your wallet with you. Think of this one as your driver’s licence on the water.

You get it after taking an accredited online boating safety course and passing a boating safety test. Regardless, you must be 16 or older to operate a jet ski without supervision. You must always carry your Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card with you while riding your PWC or face a $250 fine.

Ontario Shoreline Speed Boating Regulations

Other than doing wild donuts in front of someone’s cottage, the most common complaint about PWC riders is going too fast close to shore. The 2013 Shoreline Speed Restriction Law applies to fresh water boating in Ontario and makes it illegal to operate any powerboat faster than 10 km/h within 30 metres (100’) of shore. But this speed restriction does not apply in rivers, bays, canals or buoyed channels less than 100 metres (328’) wide. But use common sense and obey any other officially posted speed and no wake zones. It’s also smart to slow down going past paddlers, anchored anglers, swimmers, divers, moored boats or when approaching marinas or locks.

Ontario Speed Regulations

Except for officially post speed zones, there is no speed limit on the water. But before hitting the throttle, note that the Small Vessel Regulations include a Prohibition Against Careless Operation. Meanwhile, the Criminal Code of Canada states that dangerous operating practices are illegal.

An enforcement officer can use either of these regulations to charge an excessive speeder if your behaviour appears careless or dangerous. Same goes for wake jumping too close behind another boat. So be aware about what’s involved in lawful PWC operation. Doing so will help you avoid the $350 fine for operating a boat in a careless manner or the $500 penalty for operating in an unsafe manner. Marine enforcement officers have the authority to lay them or impairment charges, and to inspect your PWC at any time. So you must stop when signalled to do so.

Ontario On Board Equipment Regulations

Another confusion among jet ski riders is what safety/emergency equipment is mandatory to carry on board. Operator and passenger(s) must wear properly sized personal flotation devices, plus you’re required to carry a watertight flashlight, a sound-signalling device and a buoyant towrope. But I’d also recommend carrying a water-proofed cell phone. Also, note that all vessels require navigation lights while operating between sunset and sunrise.

As an experienced Sea Doo rider, I’d also suggest that every PWC operator learn the basics of navigation, docking and going through locks. After all, we’re on the water to have fun, not deal with hassles or cause others trouble, right?

Craig Nicholson, The Intrepid Cottager, is a long-time Kawarthas cottager who provides tips and tour info for PWC riders at intrepidcottager.com and for snowmobilers at intrepidsnowmobiler.com.

Photo Credit – Allan Glanfield   Photo Credit with Police Boat = Martin Lortz

Learn More: Licencing & Regs: www.tc.canada

(marine transportation/pleasure craft)

Boating Course: www.boat-ed.com/Canada