Ownership
Changes to the Pleasure Craft Licensing Process
Important changes have been made to the PCL process. A pleasure craft licence is a document with a unique number that is displayed on both sides of the bow of a pleasure craft.
Everything You Need To Know About Canadian Boat Licence Numbers
How to get a boat licence, check the expiry, where to display them on your boat, what boats require them and why.
Off-season Insurance Tips and Considerations
Boat insurance is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring peace of mind. It offers financial protection against various risks, whether your boat is docked at a marina, stored for the winter, or on the move.
Tips for Buying a Boat Online
Have you ever wondered how to find great deals or rare items? Here is a different take on searching the classifieds.
Troubleshooting Boat Trailer Lights & Wiring
Trailer lights can be an almost constant problem for boaters because of water damage. Here are the most common causes and some trouble shooting tips to review before towing.
Why Every Boater Needs a Current Vessel Inventory
We don’t always think of our boats as assets—until something goes wrong. Theft, fire, or storm damage can happen to any boat, anywhere. And when it does, the last thing you want is to be guessing what gear was on board, when it was purchased, or what it’s worth.
Everything You Need to Know About Personal Watercraft (PWC) in Canada
Learn the rules, licensing requirements, and best tips for owning a personal watercraft in Canada. As an operator, it’s essential to ride smart and responsibly. Here are some tips and frequently asked questions to enhance your experience.
VHF Radio Tips
How to Call for Help in a Boating Emergency
Minutes matter. Make sure you know what do before you face a boating emergency. It could make the difference between life and death.
VHF Radio vs Cell Phone
Quite often we get asked about the value of VHF marine band radios as means of communication vs a cell phone. The answer to that is quite simple.
Stay Extra Alert with Automatic Identification System (AIS) Tech
Knowing other boats’ vital navigation information provides safer experiences on busy waterways.
Top 4 Mistakes Boaters Make When Using VHF Radios
Get the most out of your VHF radio and ensure you’re heard every time.
Your VHF/DSC Radio - A Powerhouse
Your radio ranks perhaps only second to your and your passengers’ life jackets. Here’s how to use it safely, expediently and knowledgeably.
Why You Should Consider A VHF Radio With DSC
DSC, or Digital Selective Calling, is a feature that uses a dedicated channel to let radios sync with one another digitally, and perform all kinds of cool tricks.
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Boating Gear
Do Lifejackets or PFDs Go Bad?
The simple answer is no, lifejackets do not expire. However, there are few items that might make them not approved for use or unsafe.
Encourage Your Teenager to wear their PFD
Here are some suggestions on how to encourage PFD wear from your teen.
Lifejackets, Vests and PFDs: How to Choose
Finding the right personal flotation device (PFD) can seem like a daunting task and extends beyond finding one that fits and floats. After all, not all vests work for all people, and no one vest works well for all activities.
Check Your Safety Equipment
Before heading out ensure all safety equipment is on board and in good working order. Have your flares expired? Do you have working batteries in the flashlight?
Marine Flares and What to Expect in an Emergency Situation
Watch and learn about different types of flares, how to safely use them and what to expect in an emergency situation.
Inflatable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Requirements
Inflatable Lifejackets (PFDs) have been designed for wearability. However, if you decide that an inflatable best suits your boating needs, it is important that you understand its limitations, how to use it and how to care for it.
Techniques
Who Has Right of Way When Boating?
Who has the “Right of Way” in various situations is set out by regulated Marine Rules of the Road.
Tips for Towing and Trailering a Boat
Those of us with smaller boats spend almost as much time trailering as we do on the water or at a show. We prepare the boat but may not spend the time ensuring that our trailer is prepared and properly hooked to our vehicle.
Easing Anchoring Anxiety
With experience, you learn to read not only the physical layout but also the placement of existing boats at anchor and cottages to best select your spot for the night.
Navigation Lights Are A Requirement, Not An Option
If a boat is operated between sunset and sunrise or in restricted visibility – in fog, for example – it must display navigation lights.
Nighttime Boating Tips
Pre-planning and having the right equipment in good working order is the key to success and enjoyment.
Proper Anchoring Practices Can’t Be Stressed Enough
The anchor, and the line or chain attached to it (the “rode”), are very important pieces of equipment. An anchor can make the difference between safety and disaster.
What to Remember When Fuelling a Boat
Gasoline and gasoline fumes are explosive. Take great care when refuelling by following this checklist.
Buoy Guide for Boaters
The Canadian Aids to Navigation System is made up of many floating buoys, lights and land-based markers which assist the boat operator in determining their position, gain information or avoid hazards.
Etiquette
Boat Ramp Etiquette
When waiting for the use of a ramp and the lineup can be over an hour long it is very important to be efficient.
Boating Etiquette
Everyday good manners are only common courtesy, customs are derived from traditions.
How to Safely and Efficiently Navigate Locks
For boaters planning to navigate the Parks Canada’s locks this season to we thought some lock tips would be useful.
Weather and Environment
Near Shore Speed Limits
It is your legal responsibility to operate your boat at a safe speed and be aware of your wake.
Keeping a Weather Eye Out
Boaters must assess the weather and make a decision before heading out on the water and know how to interpret weather changes while on the water.
Waterspouts
What are they, when can they occur and what should you do if you encounter one while boating.
Spring Boating Tips
Spring Boating Tips
The days are getting longer ~ if not much warmer. It’s time to get out on the water – or at the very least, prepare to get out on the water.
5 Early Spring Fishing Tips
Most anglers yearn for spring when the ice has receded from the lake and they can get back on the water to visit favourite fishing holes. Here are a few tips to make sure that you don’t get caught by an unexpected breakdown or emergency on the water.
Spring Checklist for Boaters
Before launching a boat for the first time each season, please complete the following checklist to reduce your chances of an unpleasant boating experience.
Video Tip: Trailering
It’s time to get your boat out of the water and ready for winter. Here’s a quick tips video on how to retrieve your boat from the water and secure it for trailering.
First Aid On The Water: Expect The Unexpected
Transport Canada mandates the required safety equipment for boating, including signalling devices such as flares and whistles, but do you know what to do while waiting for help in the event of an emergency?
Fall Boating Tips
Fall Boating – It Just Takes A Little More Preparation
To enjoy the fall season on the water safely, savvy boaters always keep the following 8 practices top of mind before launching.
How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning On Boats
Every year, people on or around boats are overcome by the effects of CO because it gets into your lungs and prevents your body from obtaining oxygen. Boaters need to take steps to prevent CO problems.
Checklist for Winter Boat Storage
Following these fall storage steps now will increase your changes of a smooth a spring commissioning. Engines, fuel, batteries, bilges, cleaning and more.
Do's and Don'ts for Fall Boating
The season also brings unique challenges and considerations. Here’s a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts to ensure a safe and enjoyable fall boating experience in Canada.
5 Cold Water Survival Tips
By doing a little preparation and learning the truth about hypothermia, you can increase your chances of surviving an unexpected immersion into very cold water.
6 Fall Boating Tips
During the fall months, when the summer heat begins to wane, fall colours scatter the shoreline, and pristine anchorages, once cluttered, now offer quiet solitude, it’s important that you are prepared for each and every trip.