Are you ready for this summer ?
According to the Canadian Safe Boating Council, over one thousand
boaters have died in Canadian waters in the past five years. More than
two thirds of them were not wearing life jackets. Fifty percent of the
incidents involved alcohol consumption.
In the past, anyone of any age could operate a recreational boat of any
size, without training. Since April 1, 1999, new Canadian boating laws
have been in place to increase awareness of safe boating practices and
to reduce boating-related deaths and injuries. This includes proof of
operator competency and age and horsepower restrictions.
Anyone born after April 1, 1983 requires proof of operator competency to
operate a motorized pleasure craft. This is aimed at young operators of
pleasure crafts to take a training course and to get their Pleasure
Craft Operator Card by successfully completing a Canadian Coast Guard
accredited test. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life and
must be carried on board whenever the person is operating a motorized
pleasure craft in Canada for recreational purposes.
In addition to the Pleasure Craft Operator Card, age and horsepower
regulations restrict boaters less than 12 years of age to operating
motorboats of 10 horsepower or less. Boaters between 12 and 15 years of
age are restricted to less than 40 horsepower. Both of these
restrictions do not apply if direct supervision is provided by a person
16 or over. Regardless of supervision, a person under 16 is prohibited
from operating a personal watercraft.( jet ski )
September 15, 2002 was a very
important date for recreational boaters.
After that date, all operators of motorized water crafts under 4 metres,
regardless of age, This means YOU and your KIDS will need certification to operate a dinghy
with a motor!
Beginning in September and January, The Kennebecasis Power and Sail
Squadron offers a 12-to-14 week course called Boating. Upon successful
completion, students will be eligible for membership in the Canadian
Power and Sail Squadrons and earn the Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
During the spring of each year, we conduct a number of one-day seminars
(based on demand) designed to provide the recreational boater with the
knowledge needed to pass the Pleasure Craft Operator Card test. The test
is given at the end of the day.
Contact:
Terry Reed
4. Challenge testing If you believe you have all the knowledge you need or have studied the
Boat Pro manual, you can challenge the Pleasure Craft Operator Card test, by appointment.
Questions? Contact: Terry Reed
are required to have the Pleasure Craft Operator
Card.
Note !! The Boat-Pro seminar will be held at the Saint John Marina April 26th 2008.
You must pre-register.
See Course Description for details.
See Course Description for details.
Cost $30 (includes plastic card).