Boating Courses & Testing

                 FOR 2008 - CONTACT DIANNE KELLY AT - KELLYDIANNE@SYMPATICO.CA  

As of 2009 all people who drive motorized watercrafts must have a valid boat licence or the fine is $250.00 each time you are caught.

In order to write the test at the HCLA Hall, a candidate must provide proof of address and age. The dates will be determined by the swimming instructors. Check with them at the public beach when you register for swimming and /or boat safety classes.

As the summer draws to an end and I am sitting writing this report and looking over the lake, I can’t help but marvel at the wonderful resource we have.  Not many other lakes have an active Cottage Association comprised of volunteers who work so long and hard to provide the activities and services that we do. As one of these volunteers, I would like to thank all the boaters on the lake who have written and obtained their Pleasure Craft Operators license either through the HLCA or other sources. Boating safety is one of our prime objectives on the lake.

Here are a few Boating tips to remember.

1. Obey the channel markers.  They are set there to guide you through tricky navigational spots. Slow down and keep to the right hand (Starboard) side to allow safe passing. You should NOT be skiing, wakeboarding or tubing through them.
2. When skiing, wakeboarding or tubing, it is THE LAW that you have an observer onboard your craft at all times. This enables the driver to watch where he/she is going and to look out for other boats.
3. Yellow Cautionary Bouys show that there are dangerous rocks just beneath the surface. Stay well clear of these.
4. Drive slowly near the shoreline, as rushing wake erodes the shore and damages other people’s boats and docks.
5. Don’t over load your boat especially the pontoon boats.
6. Make sure there are enough lifejackets for all passengers in your craft.
7. On this body of water sailboats have the right of way at all times. Cross behind them.
8. In all crafts head bow first into the waves or wake from other boats.
9. Personal Water Craft may only be driven by licensed drivers over age of 16.  When you are doing tricks stay well away from shore, swimmers and other boats. This particular issue is a problem at times on the lake and we don’t want any accidents resulting form carelessness.
10. Children under 16 must have a boat license and are limited to the size and horsepower( under 40HP) of the boat they can drive when not accompanied by a parent. It is your responsibility as a parent to make sure they are safe.

  Safe boating for the up coming summer is the objective of all HLCA members.

Online Boating License - www.boaterexam.com

Online Boating License - www.safeboater.com

Canadian Coast Guard  - www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca

 

Boating License Regulations

The requirement to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card will be phased in over ten years, beginning with youth under 16 years of age.

Beginning on September 15, 1999, a person born after April 1, 1983, must obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator License and Card to operate a power driven vessel, except as indicated in the age/power restrictions. (See below.)

Beginning on September 15, 2002, a person born before April 2, 1983 operating a powered recreational vessel less than 4 meters (13 feet) (including Personal Water Craft) must obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator License and Card.

Beginning on September 15, 2009, a person born before April 2, 1983 operating a powerboat of any length must obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator License.

Previously-taken (prior to April 1, 1999) boating safety courses may be recognized, and experienced boaters may take a challenge test without taking a course.

Foreign visitors with a pleasure boat in Canada will be granted a grace period of 45 consecutive days.

People renting a vessel must complete a dockside checklist.

 

New Age and Power Restrictions

These new age/power restrictions are now in effect:

Persons under the age of 12, unaccompanied by someone 16 years or older, may operate a maximum engine power of 10 horsepower.

Persons between 12 and 15 years of age, unaccompanied by someone 16 years or older, may operate a maximum engine power of 40 horsepower.

Persons under 16 years of age may not operate a Personal Water Craft.