Important Boating Rules

Several laws are in place to ensure boating safety across Ontario. Let’s look at some of the province’s most crucial boating rules.

A boater safety license, called a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, must be procured and kept on the watercraft while operating a powered boat in Ontario. There are no exceptions. Boaters must also follow speed restrictions, particularly those pertaining to high traffic areas.

Those operating a personal watercraft in Ontario must be 16 or older. To drive a boat with significant horsepower, anyone under 16 needs an adult present and a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Boats in Ontario must be either licensed or registered, and there are different benefits associated with each.