Boating Safety Blog



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 ›

What Safety Equipment is Required on a Boat in Ontario?

Boating is a wonderful activity that provides a unique chance to enjoy the stunning aquatic landscapes Ontario and Canada have to offer. That being said, it can prove dangerous in some situations. The Canadian government has put regulations in place to ensure that pleasure craft operators and their passengers remain as safe as possible on Read more ›

How to Get a Boat License in Ontario

Are you itching to take a motorboat or jet ski out on Ontario’s beautiful waters, but not sure what the legal requirements are? You’ve come to the right place! As of 2009, all operators of motorized pleasure craft in Canada are required to have an official license. But how exactly do you get a license? Read more ›

How to choose a life jacket

March 28, 2022

In Canada, personal flotation devices (PFDs) are mandatory on all marine vessels, whether motorized or not. If you want to go out on the water, you must wear a government-approved life jacket with a label showing this. You can also buy PFDs made abroad, but they must meet Canadian boating safety standards. Before purchasing a Read more ›

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