 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
TORONTO – David Anderson, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today unveiled changes to the regulatory framework governing recreational boating safety in Canada. The changes are designed to reduce the annual level of boating fatalities and accidents in Canada from their current levels of 200 and 6,000 respectively.
These regulations are now being revised.
"These are not "made-in-Ottawa" solutions," said Minister Anderson. Describing the extensive consultations that gave rise to the regulations, Minister Anderson stated, "They result from an extensive process of dialogue with Canadians who share an interest in making our waters safer. These individuals are the real architects of these common-sense and balanced measures."
The new measures were presented to some 60 boating association representatives from across Canada at the Toronto International Boat Show. Highlights of the changes include the introduction of:
"Right now in Canada, anyone of any age can operate any boat of any size without any formal training or experience. In fact, two-thirds of those operating powered boats in Canada lack any formal training in boating safety or operation," noted Minister Anderson. "With more and more boaters taking to the waterways in new, and increasingly powerful vessels, the status quo is clearly a recipe for disaster," he concluded.
Age & Horsepower Limitations:
Effective April 1, 1999, children under the age of 12 will no longer be permitted to operate boats above 10 horsepower for recreational purposes unless accompanied by a person 16 years of age or older. On the same date, youth at least 12 years of age, but under 16 years of age, will no longer be permitted to operate boats above 40 horsepower unless accompanied by an individual 16 years of age or older. Finally, as of April 1, 1999, the new minimum age for operating Personal Water Craft (PWC) will be 16 years of age.
Operator Competency:
Beginning on September 15, 1999 youth under 16 years of age (as of April 1, 1999) operating powered craft used for recreational purposes will be required to have proof of operator competency. This requirement will be extended to all operators of power boats less than 4 metres in length, as well as all PWCs, by September 15, 2002. By September 15, 2009, proof of operator competency will be required for all power boat operators.
Proof of operator competency can be obtained in one of three ways. The first is by successfully completing a written test administered by an accredited course provider. (Experienced boaters are unlikely to require formal training beforehand to complete the test). This one-time only requirement is good for life. The second is by providing proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999. The third, for those who do not have an operator’s card but wish to rent a boat, involves completion of a dockside boating safety checklist with the rental agent.
Visitors to Canada utilizing their own boats-- typically from the United States-- will only be obliged to meet the operator competency requirement after 45 consecutive days. As all 16 states that border Canada, or can be accessed via Canadian waters, have in place or are implementing mandatory boater education or operator licensing programs, these measures are unlikely to impact on tourism. CCG is working with its American counterparts on a variety of joint initiatives to improve boating safety.
Small Vessel Regulations:
(Minimum Safety Equipment/Safety Precautions)
The final area of regulation involves bringing the 20 year-old Small Vessel Regulations into line with today’s boating environment. New operating standards and minimum safety equipment requirements are being introduced that will provide flexibility for boaters to take into account the type of equipment required for their boat and boating activity. The regulations also define a new "careless operation" offence that will allow enforcement agencies to issue tickets to reckless boaters who put themselves and others at risk.
"These are easy to live-by regulations that will be gradually phased-in to allow those affected by them to adjust to their requirements" noted Minister Anderson. "They target the priority areas which boaters themselves identified in the consultations, recognize potential impacts on tourism, respond to the requests of enforcement authorities for modern tools with which to enforce safe boating rules, and address the long-standing demands of coroners for action in this area."
Related Reading:
» Promoting Boating Safety
These regulations are now being revised.
"These are not "made-in-Ottawa" solutions," said Minister Anderson. Describing the extensive consultations that gave rise to the regulations, Minister Anderson stated, "They result from an extensive process of dialogue with Canadians who share an interest in making our waters safer. These individuals are the real architects of these common-sense and balanced measures."
The new measures were presented to some 60 boating association representatives from across Canada at the Toronto International Boat Show. Highlights of the changes include the introduction of:
» minimum age limits for operating power boats above 10 horsepower and personal water craft;
» mandatory operator competency requirements, to be phased-in over 10 years, for all operators of powered boats used for recreational purposes; and
» new minimum safety equipment and operation standards affecting all boats.
» mandatory operator competency requirements, to be phased-in over 10 years, for all operators of powered boats used for recreational purposes; and
» new minimum safety equipment and operation standards affecting all boats.
"Right now in Canada, anyone of any age can operate any boat of any size without any formal training or experience. In fact, two-thirds of those operating powered boats in Canada lack any formal training in boating safety or operation," noted Minister Anderson. "With more and more boaters taking to the waterways in new, and increasingly powerful vessels, the status quo is clearly a recipe for disaster," he concluded.
Age & Horsepower Limitations:
Effective April 1, 1999, children under the age of 12 will no longer be permitted to operate boats above 10 horsepower for recreational purposes unless accompanied by a person 16 years of age or older. On the same date, youth at least 12 years of age, but under 16 years of age, will no longer be permitted to operate boats above 40 horsepower unless accompanied by an individual 16 years of age or older. Finally, as of April 1, 1999, the new minimum age for operating Personal Water Craft (PWC) will be 16 years of age.
Operator Competency:
Beginning on September 15, 1999 youth under 16 years of age (as of April 1, 1999) operating powered craft used for recreational purposes will be required to have proof of operator competency. This requirement will be extended to all operators of power boats less than 4 metres in length, as well as all PWCs, by September 15, 2002. By September 15, 2009, proof of operator competency will be required for all power boat operators.
Proof of operator competency can be obtained in one of three ways. The first is by successfully completing a written test administered by an accredited course provider. (Experienced boaters are unlikely to require formal training beforehand to complete the test). This one-time only requirement is good for life. The second is by providing proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999. The third, for those who do not have an operator’s card but wish to rent a boat, involves completion of a dockside boating safety checklist with the rental agent.
Visitors to Canada utilizing their own boats-- typically from the United States-- will only be obliged to meet the operator competency requirement after 45 consecutive days. As all 16 states that border Canada, or can be accessed via Canadian waters, have in place or are implementing mandatory boater education or operator licensing programs, these measures are unlikely to impact on tourism. CCG is working with its American counterparts on a variety of joint initiatives to improve boating safety.
Small Vessel Regulations:
(Minimum Safety Equipment/Safety Precautions)
The final area of regulation involves bringing the 20 year-old Small Vessel Regulations into line with today’s boating environment. New operating standards and minimum safety equipment requirements are being introduced that will provide flexibility for boaters to take into account the type of equipment required for their boat and boating activity. The regulations also define a new "careless operation" offence that will allow enforcement agencies to issue tickets to reckless boaters who put themselves and others at risk.
"These are easy to live-by regulations that will be gradually phased-in to allow those affected by them to adjust to their requirements" noted Minister Anderson. "They target the priority areas which boaters themselves identified in the consultations, recognize potential impacts on tourism, respond to the requests of enforcement authorities for modern tools with which to enforce safe boating rules, and address the long-standing demands of coroners for action in this area."
Related Reading:
» Promoting Boating Safety