Private buoys are floating markers placed by individuals, organizations, or groups to help navigation or convey information to mariners. These buoys can indicate:
- navigation channels;
- speed limits and mooring locations; and/or
- hazards like shoals and rocks.
Private buoys are not owned by the federal or provincial government or their agencies. They are subject to specific regulations to ensure safety and consistency on Canada’s waterways.
With the support of its partners, Transport Canada is responsible to enforce and verify compliance of the Private Buoys Regulations (PBR).
Regulatory Framework
The placement and maintenance of private buoys in Canada are governed by the Private Buoy Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. These regulations apply to all private buoys used as aids to navigation, excluding those marking fishing gear. The regulations outline requirements for buoy size, markings, construction, and placement to ensure they do not interfere with vessel navigation or mislead mariners.
Please refer to the Owner’s Guide to Private Buoys (PDF, 2.97 MB) for comprehensive guidance on understanding and applying Canada’s laws and standards for private buoys, as well as detailed information on the responsibilities of owners when placing a private buoy.
Key Requirements for Private Buoys
- Size and Visibility: The portion of the buoy visible above the water must be at least 15.25 cm (6 inches) wide and 30.5 (12 inches) cm high.
- Markings:
- Identification: The buoy must display, on opposite sides, the capital letters "PRIV" in a colour contrasting with the buoy's background for clear visibility.
- Owner Information: The buoy must clearly display the owner's name, address, and telephone number in a permanent and legible manner.
- Construction and Maintenance: Buoys must be built and maintained to remain in position and retain their required characteristics. Anchors should be secure to prevent drifting.
- Lighting: If equipped with a light, it must operate from sunset to sunrise and meet the prescribed standards.
- Placement: Buoys must not be positioned in a manner that could interfere with or mislead vessel navigation.
Responsibilities of Private Buoy Owners
Owners are responsible for ensuring their buoys comply with all regulatory requirements, including ensuring:
- It meets all legal requirements, standards and guidelines of the Private Buoy Regulations;
- It is built and maintained so that it remains in position;
- Anchors are used, built, and installed in a way that will keep the buoy in position;
- You have a monitoring and repair schedule for checking that the buoy continues to meet all legal requirements, stays in position, and remains in good working order;
- The correct buoy colours used correspond to the application;
- The buoy does not display false or misleading markings;
- You use recommended retroreflective material (as a minimum);
- Any lights comply with the Canadian Aids to Navigation System;
- Any light or reflective markings shall not interfere or conflict with any Canadian Coast Guard buoys in the area to prevent confusion between government-operated buoys and private buoys.
Non-compliance can result in fines, and owners may be held liable for damages arising from negligence related to their buoys. Transport Canada has the authority to remove any private buoy that does not meet the established standards.
By adhering to these regulations and guidelines, private buoy owners contribute to the safety and efficiency of Canada’s waterways.