Essential tips for safe boating this season

It may be hard to believe now, but the 2025 boating season will be here soon. If you’re planning to take up boating this year, there’s lots to prepare for. 

Begin this boating season knowing how to protect: 

• yourself, 
• your passengers, 
• and your vessel.

Plan for safety now to make the most of your adventures on the water this year. 

You may need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card 

If your boat is motorized, you need your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). It’s like a driver’s license for boating. 

This ensures that all boaters on Canadian waters have an understanding of:

• Boating rules and regulations
• Safely operating a motorized 

A Pleasure Craft Operator Card never expires. 

If you don’t have one yet, you can get your PCOC by passing a boating safety course through a Transport Canada accredited provider. View a PDF of the complete list of course providers for 2025 here. 

Most provinces have rules requiring boat operators to have personal identification along with their PCOC. Make sure you know the rules of the province or territory you’re going to be boating in. 

Check licensing and registration requirements

Transport Canada requires your boat to be licensed or registered if the motor is 10 horsepower or more. To avoid fines, always have your Pleasure Craft License (PCL) on board. 

If you need to apply for a Pleasure Craft License, manage an existing PCL, or register your boat visit the Transport Canada website.

Follow boating rules and regulations

Like road rules for driving, waterways have their own regulations. Make sure you stay safe on the water this season by:

• obeying speed limits, 
• being aware of other watercraft around you,
• reviewing boating safety guidelines regularly. 

To learn the requirements for safely operating a boat in Canadian waters, review Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide.

Pack a safety kit

The safety equipment required varies by boat type and size, but all boats should have accessible, well-maintained safety gear. 

Be sure all guests on board know where safety items are stored in case of emergency. For a complete list of required safety equipment, refer to Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide.

Plan your trip in advance

Planning in advance will give you peace of mind and help ensure your safety on the water this season. 

• Map out your route to avoid hazards and changing water conditions. 
• Monitor the weather and adjust your plans accordingly.
• Leave a copy of your planned route and boat details like when you expect to return with someone you trust.

If there’s an emergency or you don’t return at your expected time, your safety contact will be able to: 

• contact a Rescue Coordination Centre on your behalf,
• alert them to how long you’ve been missing,
• share your planned route.

Inspect your boat before departure

Before setting out, you’ll want to check and perform any necessary repairs to your:

• boat, 
• engine, 
• and equipment 

Verify your boat’s oil and fuel levels and keep this general rule in mind to manage your fuel levels on the water. 

• one-third to go, 
• one-third to return, 
• and one-third for reserve. 

Be sure that all onboard systems are functioning properly before you leave the dock.

Wear a life jacket or PFD

Always wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) and make your guests wear them too. Most recreational boating deaths in Canada could be prevented by properly wearing a lifejacket or PFD. 

Inspect lifejackets for damage, including: 

• zippers,  
• buckles,  
• fabric,  
• and seams.

Still need life jackets or PFDs for you and your guests? Transport Canada’s online resource for choosing lifejackets and PFDs will help you choose.

Never operate a boat under the influence

One third of the boating deaths in Canada are alcohol related. Staying safe on the water this season means staying sober. It’s the best way to ensure the safety of:

• yourself
• your guests on board
• and the people in the water around you

It’s also the law. Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and punishable under the Criminal Code of Canada. 

Have the right marine insurance coverage

Boating season is short. Let us worry about the insurance so you can focus on what you love. 

Our marine insurance experts have decades of experience. They understand the unique needs of Canadian boaters because they’re boat owners too. Learn more about what makes Orbit’s marine insurance brokers experts.

Make sure you have the best boat insurance coverage for your needs. Speak with an Orbit marine insurance expert by contacting us or fill out our online form.

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Not sure if you need boat insurance? 

This quick guide explains how boat and marine insurance helps protect you and your investment. 

You’ll get:

• definitions of marine insurance policy terminology
• an understanding of boat insurance coverages and what they help protect you against

Understanding Boat & Marine Insurance

When you’re ready to find the best boat insurance for your needs, our marine experts can help. 

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Sources: 

Transport Canada – Safe Boating Guide

Canada Safety Council – Boating Safety