Following the rules of the road is an important part
of recreational boating. Everyone is entitled to a safe, fun time on the
water so learn the rules and boat by them. Sharing waterways
Recreational boaters should be prepared to share waterways with wildlife, swimmers, divers, other boaters and watercraft ranging from sailboats to float planes. As an operator, you must respect others on or near the water for them to respect your rights. Operators using courtesy and common sense will not create a hazard, threat, stress or be an irritant to others, to the environment or to wildlife.
Rules of the road
Following the rules of the road is an important part
of recreational boating. Everyone is entitled to a safe, fun time on the
water so learn the rules and boat by them.
Doing so is not just a matter of courtesy; it is the law, set out in the Collision Regulations. They apply to every vessel and operator on all navigable waters — from canoes to supertankers.
Right-of-way rules help vessels that are sharing waterways avoid colliding with each other.
Some right-of-way rules for sailing vessels
include:
When both sailing vessels have the wind on the
same side, the vessel to windward* shall keep out of the way of the
vessel to leeward. B keeps clear of A. * The windward side is the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square-rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.
Maintaining a proper lookout and avoiding a collision
Maintaining a constant lookout is common sense and the law. If you are sharing the water with large vessels remember they have limited visibility, manoeuvrability and take much longer to come to a stop. Be prepared to move out of the way of these vessels for these reasons.
Never buzz, try to spray swimmers, cut in front of
or try to jump the wake of other vessels. Some of the worst boating
accidents happen when speed or distance is misjudged. It only adds to the
tragedy when the two parties involved are friends or relatives.
Vessels less than 20 m (65’7”) in length, including sailing vessels, must stay out of the way of larger vessels that can safely navigate only within the channel. A large vessel will remind you of the requirement to give way by giving five or more short blasts of its horn. This means the situation has escalated to an emergency and you must take all necessary steps to get out of the way.
It is not only a matter of consideration; pleasure
craft fitted with a motor must incorporate a means that will contribute to
the reduction of the motor’s noise level. This means must be in use at all
times when operating within five nautical miles (9.26 km) of shore. Stock
(unmodified) outboard engines are not affected by this provision.
Vessels built before January 1, 1960, or those engaged in an official competition, formal training or final preparation for an official competition are exempt.
Keep your distance from divers below the surface
Diving is a popular water activity so keep an eye
out for diving flags at all times. Keeping a vigilant lookout is
especially important because vessel wake, weather and other factors make
it even more difficult to spot surface bubbles from those underwater. Know
what these diver down flags look like.
Vessels engaged in diving operations must
display the international blue and white Code Flag Alpha. A red and white
flag that may also be carried on a buoy marks the area where diving is in
progress, although divers may stray from the boundaries of the marked
areas.
When you see either flag, keep clear of the vessel and diving site and move ahead slowly and with caution.
Some operators do not realize the gamble they take when they cut across shipping lanes or in front of larger vessels. These vessels probably will not see you until it is too late, so apply these codes of conduct when boating.
You may have to stop or turn suddenly to avoid a
collision, so operate at a safe speed. When choosing a safe speed
consider:
Be especially careful when operating in areas of restricted visibility, such as entering or exiting a fog bank.
Consider the effects your boat’s wake might create while choosing your speed. Your boat’s wake can damage other vessels, docks and the shoreline. Also, consider other users of the waterway such as swimmers, divers and people aboard small vessels that your wake could cause to capsize. You could be held liable for these damages.
Waterskiing and other towing activities
The rules governing waterskiing include other towing
activities such as barefoot skiing, tubing, kneeboarding and parasailing.
The Small Vessel Regulations require a spotter to be onboard, as well as
the following:
Respect and protect the aquatic environment
Canada’s lakes, rivers and coastal waters are ours to share so follow good environmental boating practices. It is irresponsible, and an offence, to pollute the water with things like oil and garbage. If you have accidentally polluted the water, or see evidence of someone doing so, report it immediately to a Government of Canada pollution prevention officer or call one of the following telephone numbers:
In some areas of Canada, vessels are prohibited from pumping sewage (also known as blackwater) overboard.
Areas in which pleasure craft are required to have holding tanks and cannot pump sewage overboard:
Wherever you operate, it is a courtesy to others who use the same waterways to dispose of your blackwater at a pump-out facility. When planning your trip, check with local authorities for places where pump-out facilities are available.
Green boating tips