It is illegal in the state of Rhode Island to operate any boat while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination thereof. In Rhode Island, a person is considered to be under the influence if: They have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher. Blood Alcohol Concentration Levels for Minors: […]

How to Anchor your Boat Anchors have several uses: In the event of a breakdown During severe weather conditions An anchor is also useful in non-emergency situations (such as when swimming from the stern or securing for an overnight stay) Step 1) Ensure the inboard end of the anchor line is securely attached to the pleasure craft. Ensure the outboard end of […]

Safety Underway: Operating your Boat Safely Enjoying Canada’s waterways is one of our greatest summer pastimes. While we all want to have fun and enjoy a day on the water, sharing the waterways with others means operating in a safe and courteous manner. Safety underway means: Understanding and taking into account the effects of being on […]

Safe Boat Operation and Navigation in Restricted Visibility Boaters should take additional care to ensure safe boat operation and navigation in restricted visibility, such as fog, darkness or heavy rain. Remember: If you are operating a pleasure craft and you are not in sight of other vessels due to poor visibility, you are required to proceed […]

Choosing a Safe Speed The Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations impose standardized speed limits and shoreline speed zones (usually local in nature) and the Collision Regulations specify that it is an operator’s responsibility to choose a safe speed for controlling your boat. Choosing a safe speed depends on: Your ability to see ahead–reduce your speed during fog, […]

Over 10 million boaters enjoy Canada’s waterways each year. All boaters should be knowledgeable of, and abide by, the Collision Regulations and use common sense and courtesy while underway. Never create a hazard or stress to yourself, to your fellow operators or to the local habitat: Never operate close to swimmers and the personal property of […]

Marine Environment and Environmental Responsibility It is illegal to pollute Canadian waterways and marine environment. Always use caution when refuelling and be sure not to spill excess fuel into the water. When operating your craft, be mindful of and respect natural inhabitants and ecosystems. You are prohibited from dumping oil, litter or waste overboard. Even […]

What are My Responsibilities? As a boat operator in Canada you are legally responsible for equipping yourself, your passengers and your boat with the right equipment. You are also responsible for operating your boat in a safe and courteous manner and for ensuring the safety of your passengers and other boaters on the water. Failure […]

Casting Off There’s not much we enjoy more than casting off from the dock to go boating for the afternoon with family and friends. Here are our top tips to get you out boating safely and with confidence: All passengers should be seated properly with their hands and feet inside the boat. For boats equipped with […]

Using the Wind & Current to Return to the Dock When you’re docking a boat, there are a few steps to keep in mind in order to land safely. These vary depending on the weather when you’re boating. Follow the below tips in order to dock your boat with ease: Ensure all passengers are seated […]