Owning a boat comes with important responsibilities. You must use it safely, maintain it properly, and dispose of it responsibly when you no longer need it.
Canadian law holds boat owners accountable for preventing pollution and making sure their vessel doesn’t become abandoned, hazardous or a wreck.
Find out what you need to know to be a responsible boat owner.
On this page
- Before you buy a boat
- License or register your boat
- Use your boat safely
- Maintain your boat
- Plan for the end of your boat’s life
- Properly dispose of marine flares
- Report abandoned or hazardous boats
Before you buy a boat
Buying a boat is a long-term commitment. In addition to the purchase price, plan for the cost of:
- a boating safety course
- maintenance and repairs
- insurance
- fuel
- eventual disposal or recycling fees
You’ll also need to know the rules and regulations that apply to your boat. For more information on rules, regulations and helpful safety tips, visit Transport Canada’s safe boating guide (PDF, 4.7 MB).
License or register your boat
Most boats in Canada need either a pleasure craft licence or a vessel registration. The one you need depends on the type and size of your boat.
Both licences and registrations help authorities identify boats and help with search and rescue operations. If you buy or sell a boat, or move to a new address, make sure you update your licence or registration.
Pleasure craft licence
A pleasure craft licence is required for most recreational boats with motors of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more. The pleasure craft licence:
- displays a licence number on both sides of the bow of the boat
- helps identify the boat’s owner
- helps search and rescue responders
Learn how to apply for a pleasure craft licence.
Vessel registration
Some boats must be registered instead of licensed. Registration is required if your boat:
- is used for commercial purposes
- requires a marine mortgage
- needs a unique vessel name and port of registry
Registered vessels are listed in the Canadian Register of Vessels. Learn how to register a vessel.
Use your boat safely
Responsible boat owners:
- follow the rules of the water and take a boating safety course
- have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) on them
- have the necessary safety equipment
- carry proof of competency or certification if using a power boat
- respect the environment
Here are some resources to help you:
- Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide (PDF, 4.7 MB)
- Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations
- Wearing a personal flotation device or lifejacket
There are many organizations and businesses that can help you learn to use your boat safely.
Maintain your boat
Keeping your boat in good working order will make your day on the water safer and more fun. Proper maintenance helps prevent accidents and environmental damage. Be aware that boat owners are responsible for pollution or hazard-related costs, including clean-up and repairs if their vessel causes damage.
You should:
- inspect your boat regularly
- repair damage quickly
- make sure fuel systems and engines are functioning properly
- store your boat securely when not in use
Use this checklist before you head out for the day.
Plan for the end of your boat’s life
Every boat eventually reaches the end of its useful life. Planning ahead can prevent your boat from becoming a problem vessel.
You have options. You can:
- sell the boat and properly transfer ownership
- donate it to a charity or organization
- recycle it through a boat recycling facility
- ask your local landfill if they accept old boats
- check with boat dealers about trade-in options
Never abandon your boat. Abandoning a boat or allowing it to become a wreck is illegal in Canada and you can be fined.
Properly dispose of marine flares
Transport Canada recommends that anyone wishing to dispose of expired marine flares contact the distributor for instructions on how to do so in a safe, environmentally appropriate way.
The department’s Office of Boating Safety does not promote or recommend that the public dispose of expired marine flares in the following ways:
- Firing them off in non-emergency situations. This is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.
- Soaking them in water or sinking them in waterways. This pollutes the waterways and harms the environment.
- Putting them in the garbage. People have been seriously injured when flares disposed of in this way have exploded.
- Dropping them off at Canadian Coast Guard bases, local police detachments, or fire halls. These organizations are not equipped to handle and safely store these devices.
Here is a list of Marine Flare Distributors and other entities that accept flares for disposal in Canada:
| Distributors | Location | Flare types accepted | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CIL |
Lachute, QC |
|
450-566-0655 |
|
DSS Marine |
Dartmouth, NS |
|
902-835-4848 |
|
Spartan Industrial Marine |
9 locations in Atlantic Canada and Quebec |
|
902-468-2111 |
| Collection Services | Location | Flare types accepted | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fireworks Factory Inc. |
Rockyford, AB |
Any marine flares, subject to a disposal fee |
403-533-3899 (office) |
| Canadian Ammunition Disposal Services (CADS) |
Nationwide |
Able to dispose of small quantities of marine flares, subject to a disposal fee |
905-977-9899 |
Report abandoned or hazardous boats
If a vessel becomes abandoned or hazardous, it can pollute waterways, block navigation, damage infrastructure, harm wildlife, and create safety risks for communities.
Canada’s Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act makes it illegal for boat owners to abandon their vessels and holds them accountable for any costs related to removal, clean-up, or environmental damage.
If you see a wrecked, abandoned or hazardous boat, report it to the authority below depending on the situation:
- Canadian Coast Guard – if the vessel poses pollution or public-health risks
- Transport Canada – if the vessel blocks navigation or you want to report a wreck
Find out more information about reporting an abandoned boat.
How to be a responsible boat owner
(PDF, 504 KB)