You can request a free safety check of your pleasure craft, also known as a recreational vessel. A trained volunteer will visit your boat and inform you about any safety problems.
About the Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check Program
Transport Canada works with various boating safety organizations, like the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons, to offer free courtesy checks for pleasure craft.
A trained boating safety volunteer boards your boat — while alongside a dock or at a boat ramp — to do the courtesy check. The volunteer checks the safety equipment and other requirements, identifies any problems, and discusses boating safety issues with you.
Education and prevention are the keys to this program. Since there are never any penalties involved, it's a great opportunity to learn more about boating safety and make sure that you are ready to take your vessel out on the water.
Benefits of participating in the Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check Program
One potential benefit of participating in the program is avoiding a fine of $200. That's the cost of the fine for not having the required safety equipment in good working order on your boat.
Another possible benefit is that, if your boat does have all the required safety equipment, you will receive a Safety Inspection Sticker to post on your vessel.
Getting more information
Check the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons website for more information on the Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check Program.
Note: The Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check Program is an educational program being delivered on behalf of Transport Canada. Transport Canada does not warrant the condition of the vessel or any of the equipment on board. Responsibility for compliance with all regulations and for the safety of the vessel and related equipment lies solely with the owner and operator of the vessel.
For general information on safe recreational boating, contact the Transport Canada Office of Boating Safety or refer to the department's Safe Boating Guide.
Safe Boating Guide
(PDF, 5.5 MB)