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Enforcement / Fines
The Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act and other related regulations are intended to promote the safety of boaters and other users of Canadian waterways and also to protect the aquatic environment.
For more information and to read the formal language of the regulations, please see Resources & References > Regulations.
Boating law enforcement
Under the Contraventions Regulations (now in the provinces of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia) authorities can ticket offenders on the spot for offences such as disobeying speed limits or careless operation of a vessel, instead of requiring them to appear in court.
Most on-water enforcement authorities have a zero tolerance policy regarding missing safety equipment on a boat. Remember, everyone on board your pleasure craft must have, and should be wearing, a Canadian approved, appropriately sized flotation device (either a lifejacket or personal flotation device) that is in good condition. This contravention could cost you over $200 for each violation!
Fines* for common boating offences:
- Operating a vessel in a careless manner - $250
- Speeding - $100
- Underage operation of a personal watercraft - $100
- Operating a power-driven pleasure craft without the required Pleasure Craft Operator Card - $250
- Insufficient number of approved, appropriately sized flotation devices - $200 for each absent device
* Not including administrative charges.
Prohibitions Against Careless Operation
Working Together to Raise Awareness
Is boater behaviour a concern in your community? Would you like to do something about it?
Read more.
