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 ›
Flares, also known as pyrotechnic distress signals, are devices boaters can use to call for help in emergency situations. Boats must have a certain number of valid distress flares on board at all times when over 1 nautical mile from shore. Flares must be approved by Transport Canada and must not be expired. Read on Read more ›
If you’re looking into buying a boat, you may be overwhelmed by the number of hull shapes and designs available. The shape of your hull will affect a great many aspects of your boating experience, from speed, comfort and maneuverability to storage and deck space. It’s important to carefully consider what you want from your Read more ›
Buoys are floating devices that are used to guide boat operators on the water and provide them with important information. There are many different types of boating buoys, and each has its own specific meaning. It’s important for boat operators to understand the information that’s being conveyed in order to navigate the waters safely. In Read more ›
Maintenance is an important part of owning a boat. Even though boats today are designed to be as low-maintenance as possible, there are still several things you need to do to keep your craft in good condition and prevent incidents on the water. Not sure where to start? Read on for Drive a Boat Canada’s Read more ›
A boat launch can be a daunting experience for someone who has never done it before. At a public launch, you might feel rushed to launch your boat as quickly as possible in order to avoid embarrassment. Whether you’re launching a boat alone or with friends, at a public or private launch area, we walk Read more ›
The safety equipment required on a boat is one of the most fundamental things you need to know when it comes to boating safety. The Canadian Small Vessel Regulations mandate a minimum level of equipment on board any vessel, whether it is a paddleboat or a large power boat, subject to hefty fines for each Read more ›
In this article, we go over the definition of wake and wash when boating and the safety practices boat operators must follow to avoid damage or injuries caused by their wake and wash. Wake and wash definition The wake in wake and wash refers to waves caused by the boat displacing water by moving through Read more ›
Whether you are looking to buy your first boat or studying to get your Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card online, learning about boat anatomy is fundamental to safe boating. This list covers the main parts found on most pleasure craft used in North America, including both motorized and unmotorized boats. The specific components may vary Read more ›
