Boating Safety Blog



How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Boat in Ontario?

April 29, 2022

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 Your Ontario Watercraft License Online

Ontario boasts beautiful lakes and rivers – it’s a boater’s paradise! But to take a motorized vessel on any of the province’s waterways, you’ll need a valid boating license or Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).  Not sure how to get one or where to start? You’ve come to the right place! Find out how to 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 ›

Cold Water Shock: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

March 19, 2022

Boating in Canada often takes place in very cold water. A maneuvering error, a collision or rough weather can easily cause you to fall overboard, or cause your boat to capsize. When this occurs, there is a high risk of cold water shock. According to the Lifesaving Society, approximately 150 people die as a result Read more ›

Nautical Knots and Their Uses in Boating

February 20, 2022

It’s important to learn the basics of boating before setting out on the water. Knowing about the different types of nautical knots and how to use them will be helpful both during regular boating excursions and in the event of an emergency. While the law doesn’t require the use of sailing knots on a boat, Read more ›

The Main Parts of a Boat

February 9, 2022

Nautical terminology plays a significant role in understanding what’s going on aboard a boat. In this article, the experts at the National Boating Safety School present the main parts of a boat and associated boating vocabulary to help familiarize you with the way things are done at sea! The main sections of a boat Do Read more ›

How to Choose an Electric Boat Motor

January 12, 2022

Electric boat motors are becoming increasingly popular options for pleasure crafts due to their many advantages. However, there are many varieties within that category to choose from, so the selection process is far from simple! In this article, we present 4 tips to help you choose the best electric boat motor for your needs. The Read more ›

Port and Starboard: What They Mean and How to Remember

December 26, 2021

If you’re interested in boating, you’ve probably heard the terms port and starboard before. But you might not be sure what they mean. In this article, the boating safety experts at the National Boating Safety School break down the meaning and origins of the terms, explain why they are so important, and provide a few Read more ›

Recognizing Marine Buoys and Markers in Canada

December 12, 2021

Buoys and markers are floating devices that are used to guide boats on the water and provide important navigational information. Also called floating aids to navigation, they come in many colours and patterns, each of which have their own meaning. Since buoys help ensure the safety of vessels at sea, in shipping lanes and near Read more ›