National Recreational Boating Advisory Council (NRBAC)

Our Mandate

The National Recreational Boating Advisory Council (NRBAC) provides Transport Canada with advice on all matters related to the safety of recreational boaters, the safe operation of recreational boats, the safe and environmentally friendly use of recreational waterways and any other issue of interest.

Our History

The NRBAC was established in 1996 as an advisory body to the Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard on recreational boating matters. Since its inception, the NRBAC’s advisory role has played an essential part in the development and implementation of boating safety regulations, creation of enhanced public awareness on boating safety issues and the delivery of outreach programs and activities. 

On December 12, 2003, responsibility for recreational boating safety policy and regulatory programs was transferred from the Canadian Coast Guard, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to Marine Safety, Transport Canada. As a result, the NRBAC now provides advice on recreational boating matters to the Director General of Marine Safety, Transport Canada.

• Marine Safety Organizational Charts
• Telephone List

Our Members

To reflect a diverse marine environment and improve national communications, the NRBAC’s membership has broad representation. Stakeholder members (with representation on all recreational boating issues) ensure the vast interests of the boating public are being reflected during the decision making process on policy and legislative initiatives. 

Some specific members of NRBAC are Regional Recreational Boating Advisory Council (RRBAC) members, Transport Canada and stakeholders representing industry and national organizations - ranging from enforcement agencies to national safety associations. View the list of NRBAC members

Our Roles and Responsibilities

There are variables to consider when defining roles and responsibilities:

• an expanding marine environment;
• a changing dynamic of boating safety programs;
• a desire for enhanced security;
• growing attention to environmental issues; and,
• a rapid increase in the sharing of Canadian waters by commercial and recreational vessels – resulting in an urgent need for public safety education and awareness programs.

However, one of the most important functions of the NRBAC is to provide a forum in which Transport Canada can work closely with stakeholders; a necessary process in achieving safety on Canadian waters. 

NRBAC roles:

• Provide advice to the Director General of Marine Safety, Transport Canada, on issues pertaining to all areas of the recreational boating community, including enforcement and security issues and related regulatory initiatives in support of boating safety.
• Provide assistance to Transport Canada on strategic planning for the Office of Boating Safety.
• Provide support in the communication of safety messages to the boating public.

NRBAC responsibilities:

• Represent its respective key public's interests within the context of recreational boating safety.
• Foster continuous, open and transparent information sharing between all members.
• Promote the initiatives and communicate the safety messages of interest to all stakeholders.

Travel Policy