Ottawa Sailing and Powerboating Schools

New Mandatory Boating Safety Course

Submitted May 1999

The time has finally arrived, when all people operating a powerboat including children and families must become qualified powerboat operators and obtain their "Pleasure Craft Operator Card". As of April 1, 1999 the new Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) approved Safe Boating Course Standard came into effect. Until recently in Canada, anyone of any age could operate any boat of any size without any formal training or experience.

As a result of the growing popularity of recreational boating in Canada and the need to reduce the number of boating accidents, the federal government has passed legislation to ensure safety on our waterways as well as play a more active role in promoting responsible boating. The legislation will be phased in over ten years, beginning with youth born after April 1, 1983. Youths of this age must obtain the "Operator card" by September 15, 1999. As of September 15, 2002 anyone operating a powered recreational vessel less than 4 meters (13 feet) including all Personal Watercraft (Sea Doos) must obtain "the card". Finally, all powerboat operators must obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card by September 15, 2009.

Obtaining an "Operator Card" involves taking a basic Coast Guard accredited safety course and passing a short written test. The card will be good for life. Those that have enough experience and knowledge about boating safety have the option of obtaining their card by challenging the test without taking a course. Be a better and more responsible boater - take a course today and get your "operator card".

For more information on the new legislation or obtaining your "card" call the Coast Guard Boating Safety office at 1-800-267-6687 or check out the Coast Guard website at http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca. For more information on boating and a list of upcoming courses check out the course pages or call Ottawa Sailing and Powerboating Schools at 721-8683.

	New Mandatory Boating Safety Course Submitted May 1999 The time has finally arrived, when all people operating a powerboat including children and families must become qualified powerboat operators and obtain their "Pleasure Craft Operator Card". As of April 1, 1999 the new Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) approved Safe Boating Course Standard came into effect. Until recently in Canada, anyone of any age could operate any boat of any size without any formal training or experience. As a result of the growing popularity of recreational boating in Canada and the need to reduce the number of boating accidents, the federal government has passed legislation to ensure safety on our waterways as well as play a more active role in promoting responsible boating. The legislation will be phased in over ten years, beginning with youth born after April 1, 1983. Youths of this age must obtain the "Operator card" by September 15, 1999. As of September 15, 2002 anyone operating a powered recreational vessel less than 4 meters (13 feet) including all Personal Watercraft (Sea Doos) must obtain "the card". Finally, all powerboat operators must obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card by September 15, 2009. Obtaining an "Operator Card" involves taking a basic Coast Guard accredited safety course and passing a short written test. The card will be good for life. Those that have enough experience and knowledge about boating safety have the option of obtaining their card by challenging the test without taking a course. Be a better and more responsible boater - take a course today and get your "operator card". For more information on the new legislation or obtaining your "card" call the Coast Guard Boating Safety office at 1-800-267-6687 or check out the Coast Guard website at http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca. For more information on boating and a list of upcoming courses check out the course pages or call Ottawa Sailing and Powerboating Schools at 721-8683.




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