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This course has been accredited by the Canadian
Coast Guard strictly on the basis that it meets the minimum requirements of
basic boating safety knowledge
set out in the Canadian Coast Guard Boating
Safety Course Standard.
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Age-horsepower Restrictions
Operator Competency Requirements
Aim of this Course
Conclusion
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Introduction On April, 1999,
the regulations governing recreational boating changed. One of the primary
reasons for these changesis that the number of people involved in recreational
boating has increased dramatically in recent years. It is estimated that between
7 and 9 million people are on the Canadian waterways each year. The sheer volume
of use alone indicates a need for all operators to know the rules and
regulations about safe boating. However, a more compelling reason is that it is
further estimated that there are over 200 boating related deaths every year;
most of these are preventable. These figures don't even include an estimated
6,000 unreported non-fatal incidents every year that include serious personal
injuries, property loss or the risk of such catastrophies.
The most significant changes include the requirement for operators of
pleasure craft to have an operator card and the age requirements to operate
craft fitted with a motor. The two tables below summarize the requirements:
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Age-horsepower Restrictions
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How this applies to operators of pleasure craft
fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes |
Power restrictions |
| Under 12 years of age, and not directly supervised** |
Can operate a vessel with no more than 10 hp (7.5 KW) |
| Between 12 years and under 16 years of age, and not
directly supervised** |
Can operate a vessel with no more than 40 hp (30 KW) |
| Under 16 years of age |
Not allowed to operate a PWC*** |
| 16 years of age and over |
No power restrictions |
.** Directly supervised means: accompanied and directly
supervised by a person 16 years of age or older.
***Personal Watercraft
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Operator Competency Requirements
| How this applies to operators** of pleasure craft fitted
with a motor and used for recreational purposes |
Date at which proof of competency required on board |
| All operators born after April 1, 1983 |
September 15, 1999 |
| All operators of craft under 4 m in length, including
personal watercraft |
September 15, 2002 |
| All operators |
September 15, 2009 |
** Applies to non-residents of Canada and whose pleasure
craft is in Canada more than 45 consecutive days. Operator card or
equivalent issued to a non-resident by their state or country will be
considered as proof of competency.
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Aim
The aim of this course is to prepare you to be the best boater
possible. As you read through the course material, you will notice that some
phrases are italicized. These phrases were taken directly from the Canadian
Coast Guard Boating Safety Course Standard. The Standard is a tool provided by
the Canadian Coast Guard to all potential course providers so that there is a
common basis for course development and accreditation. These italicized portions
are the most important points for you to refer to when preparing for the test.
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Conclusion
I remember being taught to memorize the following phrase: Good,Better,
Best; Never let it Rest; Till the Good is Better and the Better Best!
By participating in this course you will become the BEST BOATER!
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