Who Enforces Boating Safety Regulations in Canada?

December 2, 2022

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), provincial and municipal police forces and other authorized local authorities enforce boating safety regulations in Canada. Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety is responsible for overseeing enforcement activities.

The purview of boating law enforcement officers

Officers enforcing boating safety regulations are authorized to:

• Stop, board and inspect a vessel
• Check the vessel operator’s Pleasure Craft Operator Card and ID
• Verify that all required boating safety equipment is on board
• Monitor boating activities
• Etc.

Law enforcement officers have the power to hand out fines on the spot to those who disregard boating safety regulations.

The rights and responsibilities of boaters

Vessel operators are obliged to stop when signalled to do so by a boating law enforcement officer, allow them to board and comply with any demands that are made. Failure to do so is a criminal offence that could lead to fines or possible imprisonment.

Smaller recreational vessels are entitled to a Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check to help them comply with boating safety regulations. If you request one, a trained volunteer will board your boat and inspect it to make sure all safety requirements are met. This is a great, risk-free way to ensure that your boat will be ready should you ever get stopped by an enforcement officer.

Make sure you’re in compliance with boating safety regulations

Make sure you’re in compliance with Canadian boating regulations by taking Drive a Boat Canada’s online safety course! Learn everything you need to know to follow the law and take the boat license test to get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Register today!