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 well prepared will Read more ›
It’s important to know whether you’re heading upstream or downstream at all times while on a waterway so that you can correctly interpret boating buoys and avoid collisions. Upstream and downstream meaning Going upstream means moving towards the source of the water. A vessel travelling upstream is heading inland from the sea. Going downstream means Read more ›
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 ›
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 ›
A compliance notice is a guarantee from the manufacturer or importer that a boat meets the construction requirements set out in the Small Vessel Regulations. Manufacturers and importers are responsible for attaching their own compliance notices, which should be based on the format and specifications provided by Transport Canada. Compliance notice requirements According to the Read more ›
Navigating in a narrow channel can be particularly dangerous, since visibility and maneuverability are often reduced. Boaters should take care to follow the international rules for narrow channel navigation, which can be found in the Canadian Collision Regulations. When operating in a narrow channel, vessels must stay as close to the starboard edge of the Read more ›
Determining the right speed for your vessel is not always an easy task. Speed limits are not as ubiquitous on the water as they are on roadways, and much depends on your surroundings and the current environmental and meteorological conditions. Boaters are expected to accurately assess the situation at hand and adjust their speed accordingly. Read more ›
When gazing at a vast expanse of water stretching across the horizon, it’s easy to imagine that a boat offers you endless possibilities. However, the reality of boating requires attention to the hidden dangers, busy navigation routes and changeable conditions of the water. With modern technology and access to information, it has never been easier Read more ›
Propellers play a vital role in propulsion for many types of boats, but they can be extremely dangerous for people who get too close to them in the water. They can easily cause severe injuries and even prove fatal, so it’s important to take steps to minimize the risks. Find out how boat propeller accidents Read more ›
While boats are ingeniously engineered to stay afloat, they can capsize or sink if enough water gets in. Adverse weather conditions in particular can cause water to accumulate inside a boat and threaten its seaworthiness. That’s why it’s important to always have a bailer, manual water pump or bilge pump on hand to bail you Read more ›
