It’s important to be careful when fueling your personal watercraft, as PWC fuel can ignite or explode when spilled, and an overfilled tank can pose a safety hazard to you and the marine environment. What is the best way to fill the fuel tank on a PWC? It is important to fill your tank responsibly Read more ›
When it comes to safety at sea, boat radar reflectors are key for improving visibility and reducing the risk of collision. Marine radar reflectors help small boats by making them visible to larger vessels. When installed correctly, a boat radar reflects radio waves back to the radar platforms of other boats, making the smaller boat Read more ›
The ‘wake’ is the trail of waves caused by a boat as it moves through the water. The ‘wash’ (also called whirlpool or eddy) is the circular churning of water created by the boat’s back propeller. Both phenomena can cause environmental damage and endanger other boats. It is important to try to minimize the impact Read more ›
Narrow channel navigation Navigating a narrow channel can be a perilous endeavour, even for a seasoned skipper. Reduced visibility makes narrow channels particularly delicate to navigate. This is especially true for larger vessels. Due to dramatically reduced manoeuverability, navigating a narrow channel can represent a danger for both the navigator and for the pleasure craft. Read more ›
If you own a boat, you need a boat compliance notice. A compliance notice is issued by the manufacturer or importer. It certifies that the vessel meets the standards set out in the Government of Canada’s Small Vessel Regulations. Manufacturers and importers are responsible for preparing and providing the document. We explain the contents and Read more ›
A boat that springs a leak can quickly become a problem. No matter where you are, leaks can easily become a hazard. A hole below the waterline, no matter how small, can let in many gallons of water, causing the boat and everyone on board to capsize. To avoid this situation, the National Boating Safety Read more ›
Running aground is one of the most common boating accidents. Largely due to poor nautical chart reading, shallow waters and uncertain weather conditions, these accidents can happen in a matter of seconds. Should you find yourself in this situation, the National Boating Safety School explains what to do when your boat runs aground. 1. Assess Read more ›
When boating, the ability to read a nautical chart allows you to orient yourself on the open waters. This is a prerequisite for all boat operators to avoid being stranded. To help you understand nautical marine charts, the National Boating Safety School explains what you need to know. How important is reading a nautical chart Read more ›
Trim is an essential part of a boat’s operation, especially for powerboats using an outboard motor. As part of the process of obtaining a boat license and before hitting the water, you need to understand how trim works and how to use it. What is boat trim? The trim is an electronically controlled part Read more ›
The question of how a boat floats is one most of us have asked ourselves at some point, particularly when seeing massive cargo ships gliding serenely across the water. The answer is actually quite simple, and follows basic physical and structural principles. In this article, the National Boating Safety School explains the principles that govern Read more ›