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Responsibilities of Private Buoy Owners

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image: white boat

As an owner of a private buoy, YOU are responsible to make sure that:

  1. It meets all legal requirements, standards and guidelines of the PBR, the Canadian Aids to Navigation System (TP 968) and Transport Canada directives.
  2. It is built and maintained so that it remains in position.
  3. Anchors are used, built and installed in a way that will keep the buoy in position.
  4. You have a monitoring and repair schedule for checking that the buoy continues to meet all legal requirements, stays in position and remains in good working order.
  5. You use recommended retroreflective material (as a minimum).
  6. Any lights comply with the Canadian Aids to Navigation System (TP 968).

NOTE: In the event of an accident involving a private buoy, the owner(s) may be held liable for any resulting damages. This is why you should think about getting liability insurance coverage.

Owners of any operations such as a yacht club or campground, must make sure to:

  • explain the purpose of their private buoys to local users; and
  • have a plan in place to routinely monitor the position and condition of their private buoy(s) as per the PBR.
image: buoy on lake with cottage in background

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Date modified:
2010-01-19