Transport Canada launches E-licensing

Mélanie Quesnel, Transport Canada, says: “Participating boat dealers (only 35 this year) will able to submit applications for pleasure craft licences electronically on behalf of their customers”. The current procedure is to fax in licence applications, which will take anywhere from 4-7 days. Licences can be obtained faster from Service Canada offices. Boat licences moves from Service Canada to Transport Canada in November 2010.

Single Vessel Label Program Discontinued

Transport Canada has decided to discontinue the Single Vessel Label Program before the regulations contained within the Canada Shipping Act 2001 come into effect (the Act came into force on July 1, 2007). Vessels that are not serially produced will no longer be required to have a Single Vessel Label. If your boat does not presently have a Capacity or Conformity Label, you will no longer be required to obtain one.
[Canada Shipping Act, 2001 | Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety]

Proposed Federal Regulations to Restrict Boating

Transport Canada has proposed new Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations following the revised Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA 2001), which came into effect July 1. Minister of Transport Lawrence Cannon said, "The new restrictions included in the proposed regulations will maintain the safety of navigation, both commercial and recreational, by restricting the type or speed of vessels that may use the various waterways." The proposed regulations would restrict specified boating areas, restrict mode of propulsion, limit maximum engine power or speed, prohibit recreational towing and water-skiing, and specify areas requiring permits for on-water events.

The proposal was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, August 18. You must comment within 30 days. Transport Canada will publish the final regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II, at which time they will come into effect. More information: Canadian Marine Advisory Council: cmac-ccmc.gc.ca

Pleasure Craft Operator Card changes

Transport Canada is moving to restore credibility to the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) program by tightening up testing standards requiring boat operators to prove competency to operate a boat. The program has been plagued by problems, with reports of various abuses. Currently, "approved trainers" charge fees to take a multiple-choice exam of 36 questions (on 149 key learning points) and provide the government card if you pass. Changes promised include more auditing, new rules for exams, a national registry of card holders, and possibly a tougher exam.

All boat operators in Canada require the card is by the fall of 2009. About two million of Canada's estimated seven million boaters already carry the card that is supposed to certify them as safe, knowledgeable mariners. The card is good for life. [Globe and Mail 07Aug4 | PCOC information]