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What Every Boater Should Know: Before Renting A Boat


Canada is renowned for having the world’s longest coastline and freshwater lakes. And therefore, the country has become a boating paradise. However, with increased populations (both locals and tourists) getting inclined to join the boat culture and explore the beautiful waters, accidents have increased manifold.


Thus the rules and regulations have become stringent. And you need to adhere to certain guidelines while enjoying your holiday on the waters. When you rent a boat Toronto from an online rental venue, ensure to know and understand all the rules pertaining to the operation, documentation and activities.


Age And Operation Regulations

In Canada, an individual of any age can steer the boat. However, operators aged under 16 need to follow certain rules and restrictions with higher horsepower.


For Children Aged Below 12 Years Of Age

Unsupervised Children below 12 years of age can operate a boat with a power rating of 7.5 kW or 10 hp without supervision. Boats designed with engines greater than 10hp require strict adult supervision and operation.



For Teenagers Aged Between 12 to 16 Years:

Unsupervised or indirectly supervised teenagers aged between 12 to 16 can operate a watercraft with 30 KW or 40 hp engines.


Individuals aged 16 Years or More:

There are no horsepower restrictions. However, you need to have the correct documentation and licenses to operate a vessel. When you rent a boat Montreal or Toronto, you might need to follow a rental safety checklist to operate a vessel.


Proof Of Competency

If you’re a regular boater, you might have already secured proof of competency. However, if you’re renting a captained boat for the first time, ensure that your boat owner/captain has proof of competency.


So what exactly is a proof of competency?


Operating a vessel out on the waters requires having fundamental boating safety understanding and a proper knowledge of the “rules of the road” for Canadian waterways. Therefore, anyone operating a motorized pleasure watercraft needs to have proof of competency on board.


This includes each and every type of motorized vessel, regardless of their size, style and engine, horsepower and electric boats.


Thus if you’re renting a non-captained boat from an online venue for jetski rental Toronto

you’ll need to have Proof Of Competency.


Documents that qualify as Proof Of Competency:

  • Pleasure Craft Operator Card

  • Proof of successfully completing and passing a boating safety course in Canada before April 1, 1999

  • Certificate from the specified List of Certificates approved by the Department of Transport

  • Duly completed rental boat safety checklist (valid only for rental perio

Rental Boat Safety Checklist


This is specifically applicable to individuals renting a vessel in Canada from rental agencies or online venues for party boat rental Toronto.


When you plan to rent a boat from an online rental venue for a fun-filled water holiday but don’t have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or specified certificate), you can complete the rental boat safety checklist to meet the Proof of Competency (POC) requirement.


A rental boat safety checklist is a temporary permit. If you’re regularly planning to rent a boat, obtaining a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is recommended.


When you rent a boat Toronto, the captain or the boat owner will use the checklist as the basic documentation to provide you with a fundamental safety orientation of the vessel, its individual equipment and features, and information about any dangers in the local waterways.


The boat and the boat operator need to sign the checklist. You should always carry it during your boating expedition as the boat operator.


Remember these safety requirements and legal guidelines while renting a boat anywhere in Canada. Non-compliance can lead to hefty financial penalties.


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