NEW BOATER INFORMATION
What training and operator certifications do I need to operate a powered vessel in Canada?
Certifications and Permit requirements vary depending on where you operate a powered vessel and whether it has a VHF radio on board. All operators require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
Know the Rules and Regulations governing boating in Canada – Pleasure Craft and Commercial
We highly recommend visiting Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety for more information on safety equipment requirements, navigational aids, Right-of-way rules (Collision Regulations) and more.
Here you will find The Safe Boating Guide which is available for free in PDF form. It provides important news and key safety information to Canadian boaters. Follow the links below to learn about safety equipment, vessel licensing, buying a boat and much more.
Safe Boating Guide – Transport Canada
Services & Information – Transport Canada
Navigable waters within Canada (lakes, rivers)
1. Pleasure Craft Operator Card
2. ROC-M – if your vessel is equipped with a Marine VHF and/or Single Side Band radio (available HERE)
RECOMMENDED: BoaterSkills.ca private boat-handling clinic
Toronto, Ontario (Humber Bay to Ashbridges Bay)
1. Pleasure Craft Operator Card
2. Powered Vessel Operator Permit, often refered to as a Toronto Harbour License (available HERE)
3. ROC-M – if your vessel is equipped with a Marine VHF and/or Single Side Band radio (available HERE)
RECOMMENDED: BoaterSkills.ca private boat-handling clinic
BoaterSkills.ca wants to help you get started and safely underway. Contact us with your questions.
Please be a responsible boater – monitor your speed and wake!
An important message for Power Boaters
Operating through near-shore zones with the bow-up can produce a damaging wake. Don’t just slow down, take the power all the way off for 10 seconds to eliminate wake. Remember the phrase: “SLOW DOWN, BOW DOWN”. Please operate at Dead Slow speeds when near shore, boats at anchor, non-powered craft, docks, and unprotected shorelines.
Near-shore speed limits
10 km/h within 30 metres of shore
Unsure of your speed? Slow down to idle for 10 seconds to allow the hull to level out. Add just enough throttle (1000 rpm or less) to maintain a bow-down aspect until clear of the 30 metre near-shore zone. Please operate at Dead Slow speeds when near shore, in marinas, and when transiting a No-Wake zone.
You are responsible for your wake and the damage it may cause.
Not all boats create wake equally, so please watch your wake when near shore. Monitor it by checking over your shoulder until clear of the near shore zone. If necessary, proceed at idle speed only to eliminate your wake.
Help us to promote this message: “Slow Down, Bow Down”
BoaterSkills.ca teaches safe boating practices to all our students. We hope to see everyone using the Slow Down, Bow Down practice this year when operating near shore, non-powered craft, boats at anchor, docks, and unprotected shorelines. Please leave your wake on the lake!
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