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Boating Safety news

What is the NATO Phonetic Alphabet in Canada?

March 3, 2023

The International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet, commonly known as the NATO phonetic alphabet, is a set of code words used to clearly communicate the letters of the Roman alphabet over radio and telephone. The code was devised through the collaboration of several international agencies to make sure that letters can be easily distinguished from each other Read more ›

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning While Boating: Causes and Symptoms

December 2, 2022

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas that cuts off the body’s oxygen supply when inhaled. It can be lethal for those exposed to high concentrations or for long periods of time. Carbon monoxide is a common hazard on vessels, so it’s important for boaters to know what to look out for and how Read more ›

Risk Factors for Recreational Boating Deaths in Canada

Recreational activities account for 86% of boating deaths in Canada. The Canadian Red Cross has analyzed almost two decades-worth of data on boating deaths in the country to determine the most common risk factors and make recommendations to improve boating safety. Failure to wear a PFD The number one contributing factor to recreational boating deaths Read more ›

Who Enforces Boating Safety Regulations in Canada?

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 Read more ›

Boat Fire Safety: Guidelines for Prevention & Emergencies

November 2, 2022

Fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen to ignite. Unfortunately, both fuel and oxygen are plentiful aboard most boats, making fire an ever-present hazard. It’s important to take safety precautions to mitigate the most common causes of fires on board boats and familiarize yourself with the procedure to follow in the event that a fire occurs. Read more ›

Boat Ventilation Systems: Purpose and Explanations

Boat ventilation systems reduce moisture and humidity and help fresh air circulate belowdecks, lessening the likelihood of mold buildup and other damage to the vessel. Most importantly, ventilation plays a vital safety role on boats with enclosed inboard engines. What is the purpose of a ventilation system on a boat? The main purpose of a Read more ›

Boating Lights, Rules and Tips for Safe Boating at Night

June 2, 2025

Updated June 2025 Boating at night comes with particular challenges. It’s much harder to see clearly in the dark, and waterways can’t be equipped with the same lampposts and reflective tape that make roads more visible at night. That’s why there are regulations in place requiring boats to display navigation lights that make them more Read more ›

Boat Leaks: What to Do When Your Boat Springs a Leak

May 28, 2025

Updated May 2025 A boat leak can rapidly become a very dangerous situation. Even a small hole under the waterline can leak hundreds of litres a minute. When your boat springs a leak, it’s important to act fast to ensure everyone’s safety and try to find and correct the problem before the craft sinks. Being Read more ›

VHF Marine Radio in Canada: Distress Channels & Information

September 28, 2022

VHF marine radio is an incredibly useful communication tool to have on the water. Using VHF radio to call for help can make all the difference in an emergency situation. However, the use of VHF radio in Canada is subject to strict regulations that boaters must follow. Find out everything you need to know about Read more ›

What is a Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check?

July 29, 2022

A Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check is a safety check for recreational vessels under 20 m offered by certain organizations on behalf of Transport Canada. The courtesy check service is entirely voluntary and free of charge. At the request of the pleasure craft operator, a trained volunteer will board the docked vessel and conduct a thorough Read more ›