Some Information for American Boaters (information from Canadian Coast Guard, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2002)
1. Age-horsepower restrictions restrict the maximum engine horsepower that an unsupervised individual less than 16 years of age can operate in Canadian waters. These restrictions apply equally to Canadian and non-Canadian boaters in Canadian waters. Page 8 of the Canadian Safe Boating Guide deals with this regulation further. See the age-horsepower restriction informtion on the Boating Rules page.
2. Operator Competency regulations do not apply to a person who is not a resident of Canada and whose U.S. registered pleasure craft is in Canada for less than 45 consecutive days. On the 45th consecutive day the Operator Competency Regulation does apply. If your boat is licenced or registered in Canada then the operator competency regulations apply. Page 8 of the Canadian Safe Boating Guide deals with this regulation further. See the operator competency information on the Boating Rules page.
Americans renting a boat in Canadian waters without proof of Operator Competency from either Canada or the U.S., may simply complete a 'Dockside Rental Checklist' (completed with the Rental / Lodge Operator prior to taking the boat out), to obtain their temporary proof of competency, which is valid for the duration of the rental period.
3. Alcohol - When can alcohol be consumed aboard a pleasure craft in the Province of Ontario's waters?
Alcohol can only be consumed aboard a pleasure craft that has: permanent sleeping accommodations and permanent cooking and sanitary facilities, and only while the boat is at anchor or is secured to the dock or land.
The Province of Ontario's Liquor License Act forbids the operation of a boat with liquor on board unless it is unopened and sealed, or stored in a closed compartment.
4. Safety Gear - Americans boating in Canadian waters are required only to carry the safety equipment onboard their U.S registered or licensed boat that is required by their home State.
Can U.S boaters wear a U.S approved PFD or lifejacket on board a Canadian boat in Canadian waters?
Yes, if the U.S. approved PFD or lifejacket you plan to wear is one you brought into Canada for your own use.
5. Portable toilets are illegal on Ontario waters.
The owner of a pleasure craft in which a toilet or toilets and storage equipment are installed shall ensure that each toilet and the storage equipment are installed so that,
the toilet and equipment are connected in such a manner that the equipment receives all toilet waste from the toilet;
equipment designed for the storage of human excrement is provided with a deck fitting and such connecting piping as is necessary for the removal of toilet waste by shore-based pumping equipment;
no means of removal of toilet waste is provided other than the means mentioned in clause (b)
all parts of the system for removal of toilet waste are congruent with one another and the boat.
6. VHF Marine Radios - Pleasure craft operators are not required to have a station license for their VHF marine radio in Canada. This exemption applies to vessels using only the marine radio bands. However, Canadian operators of VHF marine radios are still required to have their Restricted Radio Operator's Certificate (one time issue, obtained in the past through Industry Canada and presently through the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron).
These new changes also mean that a pleasure craft not requiring a radio license will no longer carry a radio call sign. When communicating with other vessels, or with coast stations, pleasure craft will identify themselves by the name of their vessel.
7. Shoreline Speed Restrictions - All boaters are restricted to a maximum speed of 10 km/h (6.2 mph) within 30 metres (100 ft.) from shore on all waters in the Canadian Provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta except for:
Water skiing, where the vessel follows a trajectory perpendicular to the shore or;
In rivers of less than 100 m in width, or canals or buoyed channels or;
In waters where another speed is set under these or other regulations.
8. Canada Customs - When you enter Canada by boat you must immediately call customs from a designated reporting station. These designated marinas will have Revenue Canada Customs sign posted. You must report:
Vessel number, registration, and name Name,
citizenship, date of birth
Country of residence of each person on board
Note1: The lockstation at Kingston Mills is a designated reporting station as are several marinas in the Kingston area.
Note2: People who are not Canadian or U.S. citizens must have valid passports or travel documents.
Other Information
Please note that the following is not detailed or official information. Please check with the applicable regulatory agency for the most up to date and detailed information. If you see any errors on this page, please let me know.
Entry into Canada is very simple. Every member of your party should carry proof of citizenship. A passport is ideal, but a birth or baptismal certificate, together with a photo ID, will suffice. Naturalized citizens should carry their naturalization papers and U.S. resident aliens must have an Alien Registration Receipt Card.
You must report to Canadian Customs as soon as you arrive into Canada. Most near-border marinas are designated customs stations. An entry permit will be issued, which must be returned upon your departure from Canada. You can also report to Canada Customs using their toll free line, 1-800-265-5633, available 24 hours a day.
Kingston Mills lockstation is a "Canada Customs Telephone Report Site". This means that U.S. boaters can come directly to the Rideau, and simply report to a Custom's officer by phone at Kingston Mills. Once in a while a customs officer will be physically present at the site.
Limitations - You may bring into Canada a maximum of 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes and 400 grams (14 oz) of tobacco. Alcoholic beverages are limited to 1.14 litres (40 oz) of liquor or wine, or 8.5 litres (300 oz) of beer or ale (equivalent to 24 bottles or cans). Any amount above these limits are subject to federal duty and taxes as well as provincial liquor fees.
Firearms - ALL firearms must be declared before entry into Canada. Basically, only weapons with a legitimate sporting or recreational use are allowed into Canada. In Ontario, even regular hunting rifles and shotguns cannot be transported outside of hunting season. Most other weapons, including all handguns, are prohibited and cannot enter Canada. Penalties for entry of illegal weapons are extremely severe. Leave them at home.
Pets - Dogs and cats are welcome, but must have a certificate signed by a licenced veterinarian that clearly describes the animal and declares that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies within the past 36 months. This certificate is also needed for a dog's return into the U.S., so be sure it doesn't expire while travelling in Canada.
U.S. Customs - Before you leave the U.S., please be sure to pick up an updated listing of items that you are allowed to bring back duty free.
For more information on foreign vessel regulations or other boating issues call the Canadian Coast Guard's safe boating information hotline at 1-800-267-6687 (North America only) or visit the Office of Boating Safety website.
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