Outdoor Nova Scotia: "The Best Way to be Informed."

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by Dave Caulfield

January 18th, 1999 Halifax, N.S. - The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, in an effort to reduce the number of recreational boating accidents in Canada, has announced amendments to the laws that govern boating safety.  According to jointly-collected data from the Canadian Red Cross and the Lifesaving Society of Canada, there are 200 boating fatalities every year in Canada. And the Canadian Coast Guard estimates an eye-opening 6000 boating accidents occur every year on Canadian waters. DFO's changes include: age and horsepower restrictions and operator competency tests.

As of April 1st of this year, no one under the age of 16 will be permitted to
operate a Personal Water Craft (PWC). Children under the age of 12 will no
longer be allowed to operate boats above 10 horsepower and youths aged 12-16 will no longer be allowed to operate boats over 40 horsepower for recreational purposes unless accompanied by someone over 16.

Unlicensed youths under 16 will only have one more summer to operate
powered craft used for recreational purposes. Starting September 15th, 1999, proof of operator competency will be required. By September 15th, 2002, this rule will apply for all operators of power boats less than 4 metres in length as well as PWCs. By September15th, 2009, proof of operator competency will be required of all power boat operators.

Sandra Inglis, the Supervisor of the Office of Boating Safety in Dartmouth,
Nova Scotia, says the new measures have received broad acceptance.

"In a survey completed in November, 93 per cent of the population were in
favour of the changes," she says. "There's a level of acceptance to improve our waterways today."

Inglis says the Canadian Coast Guard will work in tandem with the RCMP and municipal police forces to enforce the new regulations.

For a comprehensive list of all the changes in boating safety regulations,
check out this related website:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/BACKGROU/1999/hq02(a)_e.htm

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