A magnetic compass contains a magnetic element that, when allowed to float freely, will align itself in a north-south direction, pointing towards the earth’s magnetic poles. It is a reliable way of determining direction that doesn’t require power of any kind or the ability to see land, the sun or the stars. It gives boaters Read more ›
Diving flags are markers used to indicate to other vessels when diving activities are in progress. Using diving flags correctly is vital for the safety of the divers, as other boaters can easily overlook individuals in the water, particularly in choppy or low-visibility conditions. Here are the two most commonly used diving flags, what they Read more ›
Environment Canada provides a marine forecasting service for boaters to help them make informed decisions about their safety on the water. The forecasts include information about wave height, visibility, freezing spray and marine winds. When conditions may prove hazardous for boaters, Environment Canada adds warnings to its forecasts. There are four levels of wind warnings Read more ›
Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in core body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to cold. Normally, our body temperature remains around 37°C. A drop of just a few degrees can seriously affect the body, and a more significant drop can prove lethal. Because immersion in cold water lowers body temperature 25 times faster than air, Read more ›
Fire is probably not the first hazard you think of when considering boating safety. Although boats are usually surrounded by water, that does not make them immune to flame. There are various devices and materials aboard vessels that can cause fires, so proper safety precautions must be taken to ensure that any fires that occur Read more ›
A buoyant heaving line is a floating rope that can be thrown overboard to assist a person in the water who is in distress. A soft floating object is attached to one end of the buoyant heaving line to help it float and to act as a weight so that it can be thrown more Read more ›
There are laws in place that govern the behaviour of pleasure craft operators on Canadian waters. Their purpose is to keep waterways safe for everyone who uses them. Boaters who contravene these laws may find themselves facing fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the infraction. In this article, Drive a Boat Canada presents Read more ›
A reboarding device is a ladder, lifting harness or any other device that can help a person get back onto a vessel from the water. If you accidentally fall into the water while boating, it’s very important to have a reboarding device aboard, particularly if you’re alone. Reboarding device requirements in Canada Reboarding devices are Read more ›
The purpose of lifejackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs) is to keep you afloat in the event of an incident on the water. They should be kept close by and preferably worn at all times while boating. According to the Canadian Red Cross, wearing a lifejacket could eliminate up to 90% of all drownings that Read more ›
Boating involves a certain amount of risk. That’s why there are measures and laws in place to help people boat more safely. Vessels are required to have certain safety equipment on board, and boaters need a license in order to operate their craft. While float plans aren’t required by law, they are a simple safety Read more ›
