Yacht Downtown Vancouver Looking Towards Stanley Park - Photo Don
The following is a list of Boating Regulations for operations of Pleasure Craft in Canada. We suggest you use this as a reference when taking part in any recreational boating during your stay. For further information please visit The Office of Boating Safety website.
Transport Canada runs an office of Boater Safety that delivers prevention-based programs to reduce the safety risks and environmental impacts of boating on Canadian waters. For information on prevention programs and boating requirements visit The Office of Boating Safety website.
Transport Canada sets and enforces regulations for all boaters. For information, contact the Transport Canada Office of Boating Safety Pacific Region Telephone: (604) 666-2681 or Email: [email protected] or visit the web site.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for border access, services and security. The Canada Border Services Agency web site details many answers to questions frequently asked by boaters.
When you arrive in Canada, the master of a recreational boat (the person in charge) is required to go to a designated telephone reporting marine site and call the telephone reporting centre at 1-888-226-7277. No one except the master may leave the boat until the Canada Border Services Agency gives authorisation.
Note: To find designated telephone reporting marine sites in your area, call 1-888-226-7277.
The officer will need details of the voyage, cargo, and passengers including passports if applicable.
For more information on the procedures to follow when entering Canada from the United States using a private boat, click here.
The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations require that all operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor have proof of competency and proof of age on board at all times. Proof of competency indicates the boater has a basic level of boating safety knowledge required for safe recreational boating. Click here for more information.
If a non-resident operates their pleasure craft in Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days or, if they operate a pleasure craft that is licensed or registered in Canada (including rented or chartered boats) then Boat Operator Regulations apply.
The Regulations do not apply to non-residents who operate their pleasure craft in Canadian waters for less than 45 consecutive days.
Please note that a proof of residence will be required on board at all times. For non-residents, proof of competency can take one of three forms:
For more information click here.
The Age – Horsepower Restrictions prohibit operators under the age of 16 from operating recreational vessels above specified horsepower limits:
The age restrictions apply to all operators of pleasure craft in Canadian waters both domestic and foreign.
Boating while impaired is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Operators with more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood are liable to the following fines:
The maximum sentence may vary depending on provincial statutes.
Alcohol may be consumed on board the pleasure craft if it meets all of the following conditions:
For more information visit requirements for Foreign Recreational Boaters In Canadian Waters