Articles included on this page
Speed Limit Signage.
Noisy boats and what to do about it.
Boating regulations and fines.
Kayak visibility

Speed Limit Signage

We have received a number of requests from individuals on our lakes residing in high traffic, narrow areas, requesting that other residents respect the No Wake, 10 km/ hr limit when travelling within 30 meters from shore. In response to their requests for assistance we will be assisting in the posting these areas with Transport Canada approved signage to remind boaters of their legal responsibilities.

If you are a property owner in such a situation signage will be available, at minimal charge, from the Association by early summer 07. To be enforceable it must be posted in conformance to Transport Canada regulations (which will be the responsibility of the recipient). Please contact the webmaster (at) halls-hawk-lakes.com for more information.

Noisy boats got you down? Don't despair!

From Lake Steward Newsletter, Spring 2003
Gaylen Racine, Lake of Bays Association
Bill Paris, Paris Marine, Lakefield

New regulations were introduced this spring and are now in force to curb annoyance.
No longer will you have to put up with noisy boat exhaust systems, as it's now law to muffle all exhaust either by a muffler or by dispersing the exhaust under water.

The Federal Government through the Canadian Coast Guard and CMAC, the Canadian Marine Advisory Council (an advisory Board of stake holders sponsored by the Coast Guard to assist in identifying problems related to marine activities) has replaced 1999 regulations with new regulations under the Canadian Shipping Act. These are cloned from the Highway Traffic Act that is familiar to Police, and are more enforceable than the regulations they replace.

In layman's terms, the new law is this:

a) No one may operate a pleasure boat unless it has a muffler in good working order and is in operation at all times to prevent excessive noise, or unless the exhaust gases are directed underwater through the propeller hub or below the cavitations plate.

b) If the boat is equipped with a muffler bypass, it must be disengaged in such a manner that it cannot be engaged accidentally.

c) This does not apply to older boats built prior to 1960 i.e. wooden inboard or race boats in a sanctioned competition.

d) This does not apply if the boat is operated more than five miles from shore, e.g., Lake Simcoe or Great Lakes.

A muffler means, an expansion chamber within the exhaust pipe from the engine specifically designed to reduce engine exhaust noise. It does not include a muffler cut out system, straight out exhaust pipes, or a fibre glass packed muffler or by-pass.

What to do if you encounter a noisy boat:

In most of Ontario, the OPP are responsible for enforcing the regulations. If you are bothered by a noisy boat, contact your local OPP office or dispatch centre and an officer will investigate the complaint. To assist the OPP, ensure that you have the following information about the event:

The date and time of the occurrence.
Where it took place, including distance from shore and the estimated direction.
A description of the boat including the registration number.
A description of the operator and the operator's name if known.
The cottage or home of the operator, if known.
The name and phone number of additional witnesses.
A photograph or a video, while not essential, adds to the evidence

Future Endeavours:

The regulations above will not solve all of the noise problems, and are the first part of three approaches to this issue. The CMAC sub committee is also investigating the application of onsite decibel limits, and establishing regulations for manufacturers to meet noise emission standards for their products.

Boating Fines and Regulations

From Report to the FOCA Membership, Summer 2000
By Julia Matys, Director-at-large

Under the Small Vessel Regulations, the contraventions Act permits the issuance of tickets on the water in the same way offences are issued under the Criminal Code.

Fines for some boating offences include:

Operating a vessel in a careless manner, without consideration for other people, boat traffic, potential hazards or the number of people around the boat. Fine is $250 plus surcharges.
Speeding in excess of 10 km/hr within 30 metres or 100 feet from shore. Fine is $125. Maximum fine is $500 or six months imprisonment.
Insufficient number of life jackets (Canadian Coast Guard approved.) Fine is $245.
Minimum safety equipment not on board. Fines could exceed $500 depending on what isn't present. Check the Safe Boating Guide for a list of mandatory equipment.
Insufficient number of oars or paddles. Fine is $150.
No paddle/anchor $125.
No buoyant heaving line $125.

If you are reporting an offender, ensure you provide the following:

Date/time
Location
Type of boat, colour and description.
License number.
Video/photo if possible.
Witnesses if possible.
Even better, identify the offender.

Exceptions to the 10 km/hr within 30m of shore boating speed limit (Boating Restriction Regulations, Canada Shipping Act) include:

If the operation of the vessel is for the purpose of towing a person on water skis, a surf board or any other such equipment and:

The vessel follows a trajectory that is perpendicular to shore, and
Where the vessel is being operated in waters within 30m of shore.

The operation takes place within an area designated by buoys as an area in which such an operation is permitted in respect of the operation of power-driven vessels in:

Rivers that are less than 100m in width, or in canals or buoyed channels.
In any waters in which a different boating restriction applies.

Under the Small Vessel Regulations rules governing waterskiing, new regulations have been expanded. The previously existing requirement to have spotter on board remains. There must be a seat available for each person being towed in case recovery is necessary. Only personal watercraft designed to carry three people can be used for towing water-skiers. Towing activities are no allowed in the period from one hour after sunset to sunrise.

Contact the Canadian Coast Guard at 1-800-267-6687 or www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca for more information.

Kayak Visibility

By Jeff Butler, Chair, Recreation Boating

Kayaking and sea kayaking have undergone a major boon over the past decade. This sudden surge in popularity hasn't been without it share of problems, most of them due to a lack of preparation and information. Unlike other activities involving an element of risk (white-water kayaking, rock climbing etc.) many, especially beginners, view kayaking as a safe and easy way to get away from the rat race. This perception can be deceptive and dangerous. Even on a small lake. While there are many things to consider (like equipment, clothing, preparation, navigation, hypothermia, general education, training and safety - to name a few) this reminder is an attempt to draw your attention to the issue of visibility - or lack of it!

Generally speaking, kayak visibility falls into two different categories - behaviour and equipment.

BEHAVIOUR: Behaviour first starts with the kayaker's knowledge of being very hard to see while on the water in all weather conditions. Then the kayaker must know the safer areas to travel (shorelines) and to be very aware while crossing any bodies of water. In addition, the kayaker must know what actions to take in order to become more visible when a vessel is approaching (waving paddle, sound signals etc.)

EQUIPMENT: Every kayaker must have basic equipment ( kayak, paddle and PFD.) These can be purchased in highly visible colours (yellow seems to be the most widely recognized to be the most visible colour for all weather conditions.) The paddle is quite often overlooked in the visibility factor, while in fact it is probably the most visible part of the kayaker. The movement of the paddle attracts attention especially when the paddle blades are brightly coloured or augmented with reflective/bright tape.

In addition to the basic gear a kayaker can add flares, flags, horns, heliographs etc. to increase visibility, but sometimes adding gear is not an option because of storage space.

For more information visit:

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

The Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association at www.paddlingcanada.com