Boating Safety

The Society and CCGA members provide education and advice to the boating public on boating safety programs.

Safe, responsible operation is a key ingredient for enjoyable boating.

The right safety equipment provides peace of mind and if something goes wrong, it may save a life. There may be additional items you will want to take depending on your vessel, your activities and the environment. Go prepared. Make sure your equipment is easily accessible and can be operated by everyone on board.

Remember, ensuring that all equipment is in good working order isn't just common sense, it's the law.

Who needs to comply?

Some people are surprised to discover that safety equipment requirements apply to all pleasure craft. Examples of pleasure craft:

• Powerboats
• Personal watercraft (PWC)
• Canoes and kayaks
• Sailboats or sailboards
• Airboats & Hovercraft (Air cushion vehicles, ACV)

British Columbia adopted the Contraventions Act into provincial law in 2004 to be fully implemented by April 2005. There are over 2,000 regulations from a number of statutes captured under the Act, which allows for enforcing offences under provincial ticketing schemes. In BC these will be enforced under the Offence Act Violation Ticket scheme.

See links section for Canadian Office of Boating Safety.