All Aboard!

Written by Cassie Licari & Dominique Houle on 29/07/10

Photo by Dominique Houle

The long-weekend is nearly here! August 2nd is a civic holiday for some people in Canada, and many will be out and about enjoying their free time. Some common pastimes for many Canadians include boating and fishing, so DEAL.org thought we would provide you with some helpful information before you head out into the sunshine!

Boating 101

• Within Canada, there are certain regulations that require anyone who drives a boat with a motor (AKA a pleasure craft) to have certain documentation or proof of competency in order to drive one, such as a license or operator’s card. Anyone who is born after April 1st, 1983 is required to carry this documentation, and there may be restrictions on what types of boats you can drive depending on your age (Transport Canada). For more information click here.
• If you plan to drive a boat this weekend, it’s always a good idea to be prepared in case of emergency: learn how to use the equipment and review the safety procedures for operating a boat. There are also a number of things that you should have in your boat at all times (depending on what type of boat you have), click here to see a complete list for each size/type of boat. Equipment includes things such as a flashlight and a life jacket for each person on board.
• Driving a boat while under the influence of alcohol is just as dangerous as drinking and driving a car. In fact, drinking and driving a boat can intensify the effects of alcohol, and your chances of having an accident could increase (Transport Canada). Besides the possibility of hurting yourself and others who are in the boat with you, there are legal consequences if you are caught driving a boat while intoxicated.
• There are also strict safety rules for boaters that police enforce while on the water. All people aboard your boat must be wearing a life jacket; if someone is not, you could face a fine of $200 or more (and you can receive a separate fine for each person violating the law) (Transport Canada). To learn more about this and other safety regulations, take a look at this website.

Don’t Forget The Worms!

Fishing is always a fun pastime, and it’s a year-round activity in Canada! Each province and territory sets strict rules when it comes to everything that has to do with fishing, such as: license requirements, the number of fish you are allowed to catch and keep, what type of fish you’re allowed to fish for and when, as well as restrictions on where you can fish. So if you’re an avid fisherman or woman, you can contact your provincial or territorial government for information on these regulations, and to find out about other fishing rules and laws.

Links

Transport Canada
Transport Canada: Safety Equipment
Transport Canada – Acts and Regulations
Criminal Code of Canada