Basic Safety for B.C. Boaters
Safe boating is always the best boating. For B.C. boaters, basic boating safety means following boating regulations, knowing the weather conditions, and having the right boating equipment.
Safety should always be your top priority on B.C.’s waterways.
Western Financial Group, a 100% Canadian company, can help you navigate your B.C. boat, car, home, and business insurance during this period of economic uncertainty.
What is basic boating safety?
Why you need lifejackets
Each year, Canada averages 111 recreational boating deaths. Not using a lifejacket, also called a personal flotation device (PFD), is a leading cause of death among recreational boaters, making up 89% of all fatalities.
A lifejacket must fit the person who’s wearing it. A life jacket that is too big can slip off or ride up, potentially obscuring your face and causing you to drown. A life jacket that is too small will not provide enough buoyancy and might fail to keep you afloat.
A child’s lifejacket needs to fit properly because a snug fit helps make sure the lifejacket won't slip off.
Every Canadian watercraft must have a lifejacket for each person on board, it must be readily accessible, and in good condition. It is not mandatory, though, to wear them while on a boat.
Speeding can be dangerous
The faster your boat speeds, the greater the distance required for it to stop.
Following boating speed limits in British Columbia help keep boaters, swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and marine life safe. Speed limits can vary depending on the location and type of waterway.
Within 30 metres (100 feet) of shorelines, the speed limit is usually 10 km/h unless posted. This rule helps protect swimmers, small watercraft, and the shoreline environment.
Your B.C. boat’s equipment
Is your boat’s safety equipment up to date?
Make sure to inspect and replace if necessary:
- Expired flares and fire extinguishers
- Life jackets that are damaged or ill-fitting
- First-aid kits that are outdated or missing items
- Air horns or whistles
Did you know? Transport Canada requires specific safety equipment based on the size and type of boat.
Don’t boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, consuming or having open alcohol containers on private boats is illegal, unless specific conditions are met.
B.C. boat passengers may legally consume alcohol within accepted limits only if the boat:
- Has permanent cooking facilities
- Has a permanent sleeping area
- Has a permanent toilet (a portable toilet does not count)
- Boat is moored to the dock, anchored, or beached, and is not motion
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, it is an offence to operate a boat if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs and that includes cannabis.
Who enforces boating regulations in B.C.?
In British Columbia, boating regulations are enforced by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), provincial and municipal police forces, and other local authorities.
These authorities have the power to inspect boats, monitor activities, and issue fines for violations of boating laws and safety regulations.
Do you have basic boating skills?
Basic safety measures
- Passenger overboard: Reduce speed and toss the passenger overboard a lifejacket or PFD.
- Potential collision: Slow down and yield the right-of-way to other vessel.
- File a float plan with a marina, family member or friend as a way for authorities to locate you if needed.
- Know the basics: Know how to steer your boat, how to launch and dock your boat, throw an anchor, and put your boat on its trailer.
- Know basic nautical terms for safety and communication with other boaters.
- Learn how to tie basic knots, such as a bowline, square knot, and figure-eight knot, to know how to tie your boat up at a dock or to secure equipment.
- Get some basic first-aid skills.
- Be aware of the weather and head to shore if the weather is turning for the worse.
Do you have B.C. boat insurance?
If your B.C. boat is financed, your lender may require boat insurance. Many B.C. marinas require boat insurance with $3 million in liability coverage.
B.C. boat insurance protects you and your loved ones, even though it is not mandatory in Canada. It protects your boat and its motor, boating equipment, and boating accessories like lifejackets, GPS, depth sounders, and many other items. Can you afford not to have boat insurance?
Do you have your PCOC?
In British Columbia, you need a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). The PCOC is also known as a Canadian boating license.
Operating a motorized boat without the required proof of competency (PCOC) can result in a fine, with a minimum of $250. You can get the card by taking a boating safety course in-person or online and passing the test at the end of the course.
It is mandatory for anyone operating a motorized recreational vessel in Canada, regardless of age, boat size, or engine horsepower, except in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
In conclusion
As fun as it is to be out on B.C. waterways, accidents can happen. When you practice safe boating, you are protecting not only yourself but other boaters and passengers.
