Safe Boating Rules & Regulations

I was asked recently about the new boating regulation changes and the impact of the changes would be the average weekend warriors on the waterways around the United States and Canada. Although I really do not feel I knew the whole answer, what were the new rules, I set out to find some of the answers.

It seemed that it was not going to get a quick and simple answer may be on my business. There were rules change everywhere. In the U.S. it would on the condition that you have followed from theChange that had already taken place or would take place. Canada had also set its own standard to be followed, and by September 2009 is required in full licensing.

I found the following information on the website of Boaterexam and it was very helpful. I also found that the site itself was also very user friendly. I would recommend that you examine your own country or by state regulations Boater Exam.

Boating licenses are available for the following areasand I would suggest that you take the option of your online purchase. You will immediately have access to your license and make sure that you have the requirements for your area.

To learn more about your Canadian license, so you visit the site and select BoaterExam Canada.

U.S. states and licensing information can be found in U.S. Pat BoaterExam site.

For the following States: Alabama Alaska California Colorado Delaware District of Columbia FloridaGeorgia 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

Each State will govern relevant information about the laws that it's waterways. It is important that they consult before you venture on the waterways.

I thank you for providing BoaterExam on some very useful response, which was theRules become. This information was extremely useful from the Canadian Boater Exam Web site and offered to us how the industry has changed.

Q. Why boaters must now have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

A. Recreational Boat is a popular pastime in Canada, with seven to nine million people enjoy Canadian waterways each year. Unfortunately, not every boat ride round trip: More than 200 boats deaths occur each year with an estimated 6,000Non-fatal accidents - most of them preventable. The general public and pleasure boaters was worried that everyone at any age may operate a vessel expressed without any previous experience of boating. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card requirements are an attempt, the number of boating accidents and fatalities reduced. The goal of the program is to encourage boaters to assess their abilities and limitations to adequately before you prepare yourself and to be responsibleon the water.

Q. Who are the Pleasure Craft Operator Card and when needed?

used A. All operators of powered watercraft for recreational purposes in Canada eventually require the card. The following three groups of boaters require the card immediately:

o All operators of powered watercraft under 4m (13.1ft)
o All operators of PWC's (ie: sea-Doos and Jet Ski)
o All operators of powered watercraft according to 1 Born April 1983

In September15, 2009 all boaters will be required to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card to operate a watercraft can be driven. There is no grandfather clause or age exemption - this law applies to all boaters. Powered watercraft includes watercraft with a motor of any size - even a trolling motor.

Q. What is the difference between a pleasure boat operator card and a pleasure boat license?

A. The Craft Operator Card is valid for the driver of the boat, while a sport boatLicense applies to the boat itself.

A Pleasure Craft Licence is the number on the side of each recreational vessel as under the Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act required. The number is used to assist law enforcement and search and rescue organizations in identifying each individual pleasure craft.
You may apply to a recreational license at any Service Canada Centre are all over the country.

Do I need a license to operate a watercraft?

A.No, this is a license required to operate a watercraft. Pleasure Craft Operator Card you need your on board, while a powered watercraft.

Q: What are the penalties and / or fees if you do not your card?

* A. Fines for common boating offenses:

o Operating a vessel in a careless - $ 250
o Speeding - $ 100
o Underage operating a personal watercraft - $ 100
o operate a powered recreational craft without the requiredPleasure Craft Operator Card - $ 250
o missing Inadequate number of approved, appropriately sized flotation devices - $ 200 for each device

* Source Transport Canada

Q. How will this law be enforced and by whom?

A. The law will be enforced by peace officers. The law requires that the operator of a powered watercraft his Craft Operator Card, and proof of age, carry with him at all times.

Q. My boat is about 4m. Why should the card now?

A.There are many advantages if the card now, such as:

o Without the card, you can work or not PWC's powered ft boats under 4m (13.1). This law applies not only to the boats you own, but also run for all the boats you (as a friend or neighbor's boat).
o You may be entitled to a reduction in marine insurance, where your Pleasure Craft Operator Card have. Check with your insurance
o The card is good for life.
o The card is recognized onCanada.

Question: 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 are fitted on an auxiliary engine to your sailboat, you need the card. This applies even if you are under sail.

Q. Do Native Americans or Inuit people must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

A. Yes, unless the boat iswith the conservation reasons (such as hunting or fishing used). A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is only for recreational boating activities are required.

Q. I'm pursuing a boat for work purposes. Do I need the card?

A: No. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is only needed by operators of watercraft used for recreational purposes. However, it is common for many commercial facilities (such as ports, fishing and hunting lodges &) to ask their employees to obtain their Pleasure CraftOperator Card.

Q. What if I do not live in Canada, but there boat?

A. Non-residents only have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card obtained when operating a powered boat in Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days (this includes rented boats) or when the boat they operate, is registered or approved in Canada. Boater Education Cards or equivalent certifications are recognized in Canada. Proper identification should be kept on board proof ofResidency.

Q. What kind of restriction on children with PS?

Age Power Restrictions

After 12 years, and not directly supervised can operate ships of less than 10 hp
Between 12 years and under 16 years old, and not directly supervised can operate ships of less than 40 hp

Under 16 not allowed to operate a PWC

16 years and older No power restrictions

Q. Why are necessary for operators of smaller boats, the card now, but not for largerBoats?

A. The law in gradually - by 2009 all operators of powered recreational craft all the card (regardless of their age need step by step, the length of the boat or the size of their engine).

Q. What if I rent a motorboat or PWC?

A. Currently, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is not required to operate a rented watercraft. Instead, it has been completed for a tenant a rental safety checklist sufficient. Note, however, that some companies it ispolicy to require companies to have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card tenants. Below is a sample copy of a rental safety checklist.

o Rental Safety Checklist

Question: Are these laws at the federal or provincial level?

A. The laws of Pleasure Craft Operator Card and apply a federal requirement in all states. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card obtained in one province Pleasure Craft Operator Card will receive an equivalent in another province.

Q. Where can I use the boatPleasure Craft Operator Card?

Pleasure Craft Operator Card A. The permits Canadian citizens to craft a party drug work in all Canadian waters, where permitted.

The fines for not using your Pleasure Craft Operator Card on board varies province by province, it can be as high as $ 250. Please check with your local enforcement detachment for more information.