Recreational Boating Schools

Recreational Boating Schools

Recreational Boating Schools (RBS) train individuals in the safe operation of pleasure craft, including sailing vessels and powerboats. This training directly supports and improves safety on Canadian waterways.

Vessels used by RBS are not considered “pleasure craft” under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, and are, therefore, subject to the requirements for non-pleasure craft. To clarify what this means for the owner/operator of an RBS vessel Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS) has recently developed a Standard for Recreational Boating Schools (TP 15136).

Note: TP 15136 does not cover Sail Training Vessels. For Sail Training Vessels, refer to TP 13313 - Standard Relating to Design, Construction and Operational Safety of Sail Training Vessels.

Every RBS must enroll in the Small Vessel Compliance Program (SVCP) by completing the Recreational Boating School Report, and submitting the report to its local Transport Canada Centre.

If you have any questions regarding Recreational Boating Schools please take a look at our Question and Answer section below or you may Contact Marine Safety and Security directly.

Standard for Recreational Boating School Questions and Answers

  1. Q: What is a Recreational Boating School (RBS)?

    A: An RBS is a person or organization that delivers on-the-water training in the safe use of recreational motor and/or sail boats.

  2. Q: What is an RBS vessel?

    A: RBS vessels are the motor and/or sail boats an RBS uses when providing on-the-water training to recreational boaters.

  3. Q: What is the RBS Standard all about?

    A: For eligible schools, the Standard (TP 15136) contains the minimum technical and operational requirements for the motor and/or sail boats they use when providing on-the-water training to recreational boaters.

  4. Q: Does the RBS Standard apply to my school?

    A: The RBS Standard applies to small motor and/or sail boats an RBS uses when providing on-the-water training to recreational boaters that:

  5. Q: How do I apply the RBS Standard to my school?

    A: To be eligible, your RBS must:

    • meet the requirements of the Standard, including the Equipment and Safety Procedures in Annex I; and
    • enroll in the Small Vessel Compliance Program (SVCP) by completing Annex II, the Recreational Boating School Report, and submitting the report to your local Transport Canada Centre.
  6. Q: If my RBS is eligible, must I apply the RBS Standard?

    A: If you choose not to apply the RBS Standard or your school fails to meet the requirements of the Standard, Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security will proceed under the understanding that the motor and/or sail boats you use to provide on-the-water training to recreational boaters will meet all the requirements of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA 2001) and its regulations as they apply to passenger-carrying vessels or passenger vessels.

  7. Q: If my RBS is not eligible for the new RBS Standard, what standards do apply?

    A: The motor and/or sail boats you use to provide on-the-water training to recreational boaters must meet the relevant requirements of the CSA 2001 and its regulations as they apply to passenger-carrying vessels or passenger vessels.

  8. Q: Why doesn’t Transport Canada consider my RBS vessels as pleasure craft?

    A: RBS vessels are not considered pleasure craft because you use them as part of a business activity. As an RBS, you must meet the requirements of the CSA 2001 and its regulations as they apply to passenger-carrying or passenger vessels.

  9. Q: What are the benefits of applying the RBS Standard to my school?

    A: Eligible schools that meet RBS Standards are:

    • provided an alternative to some CSA 2001 requirements that are specified in the Standard; and
    • enroll in the Small Vessel Compliance Program (SVCP). The SVCP provides easy-to-use, check-list style tools to help small non-pleasure vessel owners operate safely, protect lives and respect the environment.
  10. Q: If my vessel falls within the scope of the RBS Standard, how long do I have to get my vessel in compliance?

    A: The motor and/or sail boats you use to offer on-the-water training of recreational boaters must currently meet the requirements of the CSA 2001 and its regulations as they apply to passenger-carrying vessels or passenger vessels. If your RBS is eligible and you choose to apply the Standard, you may submit the documentation the Standard requires to your local Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security Office when you feel they are ready. If Transport Canada is satisfied your RBS meets the requirements of the Standard, we will issue you a Letter of Participation in the Small Vessel Compliance Program that confirms authorization to operate in accordance with the RBS Standard. RBS choosing the new standard are expected to be in compliance by boating season 2015 with the cooperation and assistance of TCMSS.

  11. Q: Are RBS vessels restricted to certain types of voyages under the new Standard?

    A:The RBS Standard limits the area of on-the-water training of recreational boaters to a Sheltered Waters Voyage or a Near Coastal Voyage, Class 2 as defined in the Vessel Certificates Regulations, or a Limited, Contiguous Waters Voyage, as defined in the Marine Personnel Regulations.