NSC - Captain's Corner

Captain Jim Ewart, Canadian Certified Deep Sea Master Master Class 1 Dynamically Supported Craft Owner: Tanzer 22, AURA Email: nsc-captainscorner

Challenge Exams Captain's Corner FAQ's Ask a question

Challenge Exams

Home study guides are available:

• The maritime restricted radio guide (RIC 23) is available free of charge through Industry Canada's web site.
• The Safe Boating Guide is available through the National Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Program Web Site.

Captain's Corner FAQ's

You can ask questions concerning boating safety, navigation or seamanship to Captain’s Corner.   If I don’t have an answer to your question, I’ll make every effort to give you the right course to steer for information. Of course, names will be kept anonymous unless the contributor wishes otherwise. So, please direct your questions my way. By doing so, members will help members and help contribute to NSC’s effort to increase boating and navigation safety on the Ottawa River.

1. What is a recreational power boat?
2. Hey, this is the Nepean Sailing Club! I own a sailboat, not a power boat. Am I exempted from operator licensing?
3. Are there any immediate age or horsepower restrictions?
4. Who will eventually need an operator’s licence?
5. Are there any exemptions or grandfather clauses?
6. Is there an annual operator’s licence renewal fee?
7. How will an enforcement officer know if I’m licensed?
8. Is the boat operator’s licence issued by Coast Guard? Is it valid anywhere in Canada if I take the course in Nepean or Ottawa?
9. Will this operator licence qualify me to use my VHF radio?
10.   I took my VHF Radio Exam years ago and have since lost my licence. Do I have to take the test again to be re-certified?
11. What is this compliance plate requirement for all motorized vessels including sailboats with engines?
12. I took a boating safety course years ago, does this qualify me for a new boat operator card?
13. I heard my lifesaving seat cushions are no longer certified as PFDs? Also what about the new inflatable PFDs you see on the market?
14. Do I need to buy a manufactured buoyant heaving line or can I make one?
15. I have not received my renewal form from Industry Canada for my VHF Station License. I’ve heard a rumour they will no longer be required?
16. Do we need to purchase flares for our vessel sailing out of NSC?
17. What should I do with my expired flares?

FAQ's

1. What is a recreational power boat?
The term recreational power boat means any vessel used for pleasure that is being propelled by machinery.

2. Hey, this is the Nepean Sailing Club! I own a sailboat, not a power boat. Am I exempted from operator licensing?
A recreational sailing boat when propelled by an auxiliary motor is by definition, a recreational power boat. Only operators of sailing boats with no auxiliary motor or those boats propelled solely by oars are exempted from operator licensing.

3. Are there any immediate age or horsepower restrictions?
Important note: These restrictions apply even when the young boater becomes licensed.
Yes, the following operator restrictions come into force next boating season.
As of April 1, 1999:

• boaters under 12 years of age and unaccompanied by a person 16 years of age or older will not be allowed to operate a boat with an engine more powerful than 7.5 kw (10 hp)
• boaters at least 12 years of age but not yet 16 years old and unaccompanied by a person 16 years of age or older will not be allowed to operate a boat with an engine more powerful than 30 kw (40 hp)
• boaters under the age of 16 will not be allowed to operate a personal watercraft

4. Who will eventually need an operator’s licence?
All operators of recreational power boats. The Coast Guard’s implementation schedule is as follows:

• as of September 15, 1999, youth under 16 years of age will need to be licensed  ie; youth will be required to be licensed for any length of recreational power boat (no exceptions, even if a accompanied by an adult)
• as of September 15, 2002, any person operating a powered recreational boat less than 4 metres in length (this includes personal watercraft) will need to be licensed
• as of April 1, 2009 (final implementation date), all operators of powered recreational boat will need to be licensed

5. Are there any exemptions or grandfather clauses?

• people who have already taken boating safety courses will have their course certificates recognized (it is up to the individual to contact their original course provider)
• experienced boaters will have the option of taking a challenge test without having to take a course
• foreign visitors who operate a recreational power boat in Canada will be granted a grace period of 45 consecutive days
• people renting a recreational power boat will only be required to complete a dockside checklist.

6. Is there an annual operator’s licence renewal fee?
No annual renewal fee. Boaters are licensed for life.

7. How will an enforcement officer know if I’m licensed?
Boaters will be required to carry their operators licence at all times while on the water.

8. Is the boat operator’s licence issued by Coast Guard? Is it valid anywhere in Canada if I take the course in Nepean or Ottawa?
No, the operator’s licence is issued by private accredited course providers not the Coast Guard. Yes, an operator’s licence will allow you to operate a boat anywhere in Canada.

9. Will this operator licence qualify me to use my VHF radio?
No, operating a VHF radio requires a Maritime Restricted Radio Operator's Certificate issued through Industry Canada. I will be offering this course and licensing at Algonquin College until June, or at NSC this summer if there is enough interest. Contact me through Captain's Corners for a course at NSC.

10. I took my VHF Radio Exam years ago and have since lost my licence. Do I have to take the test again to be re-certified?
Not necessarily. If you took your exam anywhere in Canada within the age of at least microfiche technology, Industry Canada’s central registry branch in Ottawa can probably track your original licence. They will require your birth date and the exact name you used on your original application. The central registry’s number in Ottawa is (613) 998-3693.

11. What is this compliance plate requirement for all motorized vessels including sailboats with engines?

According to the Safe Boating Guide published by Fisheries ∓ Oceans Canada (Page 57 of 1999 version) all motorized pleasure craft sold, built or used in Canada must have this compliance plate that states the maximum engine power, # of persons on board, Maximum load in Kg, Confirms vessel built to Canadian Government standards.

I am sure most of us have seen these on small runabouts - However, the booklet says it applies to all motorized pleasure craft. One of our customers who has just bought a Mirage 30 called and was told he must add this plate to his boat. We called to confirm and sure enough, we were told that all boats with a motor need this plate.

How many Tanzers have this plate? Has anyone else heard of this requirement (other than for small motor boats)?

I discussed this issue with both Coast Guard (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) and Transport Canada.

The short answer to your question is YES all pleasure craft in Canada capable of being fitted with an engine require either a Capacity, Compliance or Single Vessel Plate. In fact it has been this way since the first Pleasure Craft Construction Standards came into effect in 1974, however it has really only been the Capacity plate that most boaters have been exposed to.

If your vessel is not fitted with either plate (my Tanzer 22 fits into this category) and the builder is no longer in business can be issued a Single Vessel Plate through the Coast Guard, both today and in the future. The cost to the boat owner is $5.00 . The owner has to fill in the appropriate application form which includes your boat particulars.

Coast Guard has said the turn around time for an application is 30 days. One may receive an application package through the Coast Guard’s Office of Boating Safety. Contact 1-800-267-6687 or in the Ottawa area 990-3155.

It was a great question!

12. I took a boating safety course years ago, does this qualify me for a new boat operator card?

Due to the number of inquiries I have received regarding Coast Guard operator licensing, there still appears to be a fair amount of confusion concerning this exemption.

Certificates for boating safety courses completed before April 1, 1999 will be recognized by Coast Guard and law enforcement agencies. In other words, if you have already taken a course prior to the date that the new regulations come into force, and have proof of passing that course, then your certificate or card will be accepted as proof of competency. However, the new law requires you to carry this documentation with you in your vessel.

If you have a certificate, but want to obtain a more convenient form of proof (i.e. wallet size card) please contact your original course provider. If they no longer exist contact me at Captain’s Corners. I have arranged an alternative licensing option for NSC members through a Coast Guard accredited course provider.

13. I heard my lifesaving seat cushions are no longer certified as PFDs? Also what about the new inflatable PFDs you see on the market?

Yes, you received the right information. As of April 1, 1999, lifesaving cushions are no longer accepted as approved PFDs. The law now requires boats to be equipped with a Canadian-approved PFD or lifejacket of an appropriate size for each person on board. There is an exemption for infants who weigh less than 9kg (20lbs) or any person whose chest size exceeds 140 cm (55 in).

Canadian approved inflatable PFDs are now legal for use in Canada if the following requirements are met. These PFDs must be:

• worn while in an open boat, or
• worn while on deck or in the cockpit or readily available to persons below deck of vessels with cabins.
• note: inflatable PFDs fitted with an automatic inflation device ( causing the PFD to inflate the instant it is immersed in water) are not yet approved for use in Canada or US waters

Inflatable PFDs are not approved:

• for use by persons less than 16 years of age or weighing less than 36.3 kg (80 lbs)
• for use on Personal Water Crafts (PWCs)

14. Do I need to buy a manufactured buoyant heaving line or can I make one?

Buoyant heaving lines are a new safety gear requirement this year for many boats. Check the requirements for your vessel in Captains Corner March 99 Telltale (non members can download the Telltale for the NSC’s web site). Yes, you can make your own - tie 15 metres of polypropylene line to a bleach bottle with a small amount of water in it. You now have one buoyant heaving line.

If you need to buy or replace a lifebuoy this season make sure you purchase one with an outside diameter of 610mm or the larger commercial shipping lifebuoy 762mm, these are the only ones Transport Canada approved. Important: beginning this season the 508 mm diameter lifebuoys are no longer acceptable where required (pleasure craft over 8m), but attach 15 meters of buoyant line - they now make a buoyant heaving line.

15. I have not received my renewal form from Industry Canada for my VHF Station License. I’ve heard a rumour they will no longer be required?

The de-licensing letters to all ship owners in Canada marked the official announcement made by Industry Canada, that as of April 1, 1999 Canada will follow the American lead to drop the requirement for the station license. Important: All members take note; the requirement for Maritime Restricted Operator Certificate is still a requirement.

Actual announcement by Industry Canada: As a result of recent changes to the Radiocommunication Regulations, certain ship radio stations no longer require a radio licence. To be exempt from a licence, the station must meet both of the following criteria:

• the vessel is not operated in the sovereign waters of another foreign country other than the USA
• the radio equipment on board the vessel is only capable of operating on frequencies that are allocated for maritime mobile communications or marine radionavigation

Captain’s Corner Note: A licence will still be required for vessels that are registered in Canada and travels in the territory of another country. Also ships or vessels compulsorily fitted with radio apparatus in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 or the Canada Shipping Act may continue to require a licence. There in the opinion of Captain’s Corner, remains some unanswered questions, so I have posed these questions to Industry Canada directly, here are their answers.

Captain’s Corner to Industry Canada:

As an examiner for Maritime Restricted, and author of an Internet FAQ page on recreational marine certification at http://www.nsc.ca/captainscorner, I have received several questions reference the change in regulations affecting Ship Radio Station Licenses.  There remains three outstanding issues for which I would appreciate your reply.

1) Are existing vessel call signs automatically canceled with the station license. While the letters to all boat owners mentioned the station license would be automatically canceled, can I assume this also means the call sign is destroyed and is not be used by the station any longer. This is not clear to the novice boater or in fact myself. I have received many questions on this subject.

Industry Canada to Captain’s Corner:

YES, THE CALL SIGN WILL NO LONGER BE VALID UPON EXPIRATION OF THE LICENCE ON APRIL 1ST. THESE EXEMPTED STATIONS SHOULD BEGIN IDENTIFYING WITH THEIR BOAT NAME AS OF APRIL 1/99.

Captain’s Corner to Industry Canada:

2) What will vessel owners use to identify their individual vessel besides the name (as the call sign did). I cannot find any mention in the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement to deal with this potential area of confusion. Will the vessel operator be:

• issued a personal call sign, or be
• instructed to use the vessel's official Canadian license or registration number

Industry Canada to Captain’s Corner:

THE VESSEL OWNER CAN USE ANY NAME THAT THEY WISH. IF THEY USE THE SERVICES OF THE COAST GUARD, THEY WILL NEED TO USE A NAME THAT IS UNIQUE IN THE CG DATABASE. POSSIBLY THE USE OF THE REGISTRATION NUMBERS OF THE VESSEL IS AN OPTION. I WILL INVESTIGATE THIS FURTHER AND ADVISE YOU FURTHER ASAP.

Captain’s Corner to Industry Canada:

3) Will pleasure craft continue to be required to be either licensed or registered in Canada before installation of a Marine VHF radio is allowed. I don't see mention of change to this regulation, therefore can I assume this remains unchanged. Vessel licensing is not readily completed by owners who's boat has an engine under 10 HP due to existing laws and various other tax reasons. Therefore, if any vessel is allowed to install a VHF, only the vessel's name will be available to identify the vessel, if in fact it has a name and it is marked on the hull.

Industry Canada to Captain’s Corner:

Captain’s Corner awaiting response from Industry Canada. Check the site next week!

16. Do we need to purchase flares for our vessel sailing out of NSC?

I don’t believe any enforcement officer will bother you sailing on Lac Deschene or the Ottawa River off NSC even though there are a couple areas of the river where you could be at a position more than one mile from shore. You will require a watertight flash light. However, flares may save your life, in my opinion they are worth the investment.

Note 1: Vessels greater than 12m in length need to carry 12 approved flares even on the Ottawa River.

Note 2: For members who take their vessels to Lake Ontario and beyond, then you will definitely require flares.

17. What should I do with my expired flares?

Answer: After contacting all the emergency services in the area, and receiving contradicting information, the Ottawa Carleton Police Marine Division has agreed to take your expired flares on June 5^th '99 at NSC and properly dispose of them. This date coincides with activities planned at our Club during Boating Safety Week. Take a look at your flares during preparation for launch and note the date of manufacture (you will not find an expiry date). Flares are valid for only four years from date of manufacture as marked on the flares.

Ask the Captain your own question by emailing to nsc-captainscorner. Please include details such as your name, email address, if you are an NSC Member or not, and your boating safety, navigation or seamanship question. Thank you and allow a few days for a response.