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Boating Rules and Regulations

I wanted to share some of the most common boating infractions and their accompanying fines with you. We don’t often think about the repercussions of boating too fast, or too close to shore, just as we don’t think about the heavy fines involved in not carrying the prescribed safety equipment, but the OPP want you to know that safety is just as important to them on the water as it is on shore. The Canada Shipping Act includes regulations that are enforced for your safety, and the safety of those around you. Taking shortcuts and chances with your safety are not worth the time, money, and aggravation it will cost you. From driving without your boating licence, to towing improperly, I have listed below some of the more common infractions and the fines associated with them:

VFSC = Victim Fine Surcharge

  • Operating a pleasure craft without a copy of your licence on board

    $305
    $250.00 + VFSC
  • Operating a power driven or electrically propelled vessel over the maximum speed specified

    $240
    $200.00 + VFSC
  • Operating a power driven vessel at a speed over 10km/h within 30m of shore in specified water

    $240
    $200.00 + VFSC
  • Operating a non-human powered pleasure craft without personal floatation devices or lifejackets of appropriate size for each person on board.

    $240+
    $200.00 plus $100.00 for each additional lifejacket missing + VFSC = $240.00 and up
  • Failing to wear personal flotation device or lifejacket in open vessel if device or lifejacket is of the inflatable type.

    $240
    $200.00 + VFSC = $240.00
  • Operating a non-human powered pleasure craft without prescribed visual signals on board. (Flashlight/Flares etc.)

    $240
    $200.00 + VFSC = $240.00
  • Operating a non-human powered pleasure craft without the prescribed fire-fighting equipment on board. (Fire Extinguishers)

    $240
    $200.00 + VFSC = $240.00
  • Operating a vessel to tow a person on water without a person on board other than the operator to keep watch on every person being towed. (No spotter)

    $305
    $250.00 + VFSC = $305.00
  • Operating a vessel to tow a person on water without seating on board for every person being towed. (No extra seat, i.e. Seadoos)

    $305
    $250.0 + VFSC = $305.00

You can see that the fines are not small ones, and these laws are strictly enforced while boating in our waters. So please, boat responsibly, for everyone’s sake!

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