Boating Safety Blog
How to Clean a Boat Hull
July 25, 2022
Cleaning a boat hull is a necessary task that often goes overlooked. Over time boats get dirty and weathered, so it’s important to regularly clean their hulls to remove any buildup of scale, rust, algae or salts. In this article, find out from the experts at the National Boating Safety School how to clean and Read more ›
Buoyant Heaving Line: Purpose, Regulations & How to Throw
A buoyant heaving line is a rope made of buoyant material designed to float on water and is to be used in the case of a person who falls overboard on a boat. A weighted floating device is attached to the end of the line so that the line itself can more accurately be thrown Read more ›
Boat fire extinguisher: classes, regulations and maintenance
June 20, 2022
Even if fires are relatively uncommon on boats, their rapid spread makes them particularly dangerous. Many factors can cause fires inside boats, specifically oil or gas leaks, short circuits or even grease catching fire on the top of stoves. To make sure you and your passengers are safe, the Canadian law states that most maritime Read more ›
Magnetic boat compass: The complete guide
June 6, 2022
Magnetic compasses have been around for years and are still used for navigation up to this day. They provide us with a bearing reference (north) and can thus reliably lead the way from A to B. These compasses are extremely useful on boats, and they don’t even require a power source or sunlight to function. Read more ›
How to Register a Boat in Ontario
May 16, 2022
Registering a boat in Ontario is more complex than you might think. There are a few different kinds of licensing and registration in Canada, and which one you need to obtain depends on the type of vessel you have. This article explains the difference between pleasure craft licensing and vessel registration and provides an overview Read more ›
How Do I Replace a Lost Boating License in Ontario?
Have you ever had a moment of panic looking for your boating license while on the water? You have good reason—your license is a vital piece of documentation to have whenever you operate a boat on Canadian waters. Find out exactly what the licensing requirements are for recreational boating in Ontario and the rest of Read more ›
Boating in Ontario: What are the Best Boating Destinations in Ontario?
The great province of Ontario is brimming with diverse waterways for pleasure boaters to explore. From the Great Lakes to the Rideau Canal and everything in between, there are locations and activities to suit every taste and interest. The experts at the National Boating Safety School have compiled a list of the best places to Read more ›
Types of Clouds and Their Effects on Boating Conditions
May 6, 2022
Clouds are fascinating, not only because of the beautiful shapes they create in the sky, but also because they provide insights into upcoming weather conditions. Their appearance depends on several factors, including their altitude, air temperature and the particles they contain. In this article, our experts present the main types of clouds to help you Read more ›
What are the different types of boat anchors?
April 29, 2022
When you are on a stopover or need to drop your boat’s anchor in an emergency situation, you need to be confident in your anchor line. One of the keys to a good anchor line is choosing the right anchor for the job. The anchor is one of the different parts of a boat and Read more ›
How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Boat in Ontario?
In Canada, you need a license to operate a motorized boat for recreational purposes, even when the motor is not in use (e.g. while sailing). Although people of any age are allowed to obtain their boating license, the Canadian government has imposed certain restrictions on those under 16 years of age regarding the power and Read more ›