The Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations - A Boater's Guide to Signage

The Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations, under the Canada Shipping Act 2001, regulate the operation of vessels on specific bodies of water in Canada. These regulations contain schedules that set out operational restrictions such as speed limits and maximum horsepower or when and where certain activities, such as water-skiing, are permitted.

How are restrictions imposed?

A local authority such as a municipality, regional district or provincial government that wants to implement a restriction should obtain information about application procedures from Transport Canada. The request for a restriction requires that:

• Public consultation be held at the local level;
• Non-regulatory options have been evaluated;
• The need for the implementation of a restriction be assessed;
• Enforcement is practical;
• Benefits of a restriction outweigh the costs to Canadians.

A resolution to adopt a restriction is then forwarded to Transport Canada which, in turn, applies for approval by Privy Council for inclusion in the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations.

How are restrictions enforced?

Once a boating restriction is in place, compliance is enforced by peace officers at all levels of government or by any officer specially appointed by the Minister of Transport. Sanctions are in the form of tickets or summons.

How do you read a restriction sign?

There are five types of shapes for the restriction signs. The frame colour is international orange with the type of restriction shown in the middle. Green bordered areas indicate that a special condition applies to the restriction (for example, the day/time an activity is allowed). If the sign is arrow-shaped, the restriction applies in the direction pointed by the arrow. To familiarize yourself with these signs, please consult the Restriction Signs section.

Note: Certain provinces have adopted a restriction to limit speed to 10 km/h within 30 metres from shore on all waters within their boundaries, except for: 

1. recreational towing where the vessel follows a trajectory perpendicular to the shore; or
2. rivers less than 100 m wide; or
3. waters where another speed limit is prescribed under the Regulations.

This limit is in effect whether it is posted or not. As of the date of printing, this restriction applies in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and the inland waters of British Columbia and Nova Scotia. 

Restriction Signs

No power vessels

No internal combustion or steam engine is permitted

Power limit

Standardized speed limit (normally 5, 10, 25, 40, 55)

No skiing

No regatta

No boats

No power driven vessels in the direction indicated by the arrow

No skiing north of the sign

Combined sign (no skiing and speed limit)

No power vessels between the hours and days in red