Here are some of the basic rules and regulations for operating a watercraft in Alberta. Keep in mind that a lot of these rules apply Canada wide.
Do I need a boat driver's license to operate a boat in Alberta?
Yes you need what's called a "Pleasure Craft Operator Card". If you're operating a power-driven boat in Alberta, or the rest of Canada you must be able to produce "proof of competency". This is something that shows you understand the rules of boating and how to safely operate a boat. The most common proof of competency is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You can get one by passing an accredited boating safety test at our registry office (click here for directions) .
Need a Boat License? Click here for details on how to get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
Do I need to license/register my boat?
You do need to have your boat licensed and be able to produce proof of ownership if it's over a certain size/power. Pleasure craft powered by an engine or engines of 7.5 kW (10 hp) or more, which are kept and operated mainly in Canada, must be licensed or registered, regardless of where they operate in Canada.
Note:
You must display your pleasure craft licence number:
- above the waterline;
- on both sides of the bow;
- in block characters not less than 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) high; and
- in a contrasting colour to the vessel colour.
Can someone of any age operate a boat?
No, there are age restrictions in effect for operating a boat. Restrictions designed to protect the safety of children, prohibit operators under the age of 16 from operating pleasure craft above specified horsepower (hp) limits:
- Children under the age of 12 may not operate a pleasure craft with more than 7.5 kW (10 hp) without adult supervision.
- Children between 12 years and 16 years of age may not operate a pleasure craft with more than 30 kW (40 hp) without adult supervision.
- Only persons 16 years of age or older can operate a personal watercraft, regardless of supervision.
Can I drink alcohol and operate a boat?
- 1st offence: at least $1000 fine;
- 2nd offence: at least 30 days of imprisonment; and
- 3rd offence: at least 120 days of imprisonment.
Alcohol may be consumed on board the vessel if it meets certain conditions, such as having:
- the vessel has permanent sleeping facilities;
- the vessel has permanent cooking facilities;
- the vessel has a permanent toilet; and
- the vessel is anchored or secured alongside a dock.
Check with the appropriate Alberta provincial authorities such as the RCMP for complete rules.
Are there speed limits on the water?
Yes there are speed restrictions when operating a boat in Alberta.
Canada's Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations - jointly administered with some provinces and municipalities – set out the restrictions for the operation of small boats on specific bodies of water in Canada, such as speed limits, power limitations, or when and where certain activities, such as waterskiing, are permitted.
When boating in Alberta you must observe a speed limit of 10 km/h (6 mph) within 30 metres (100 ft) of the shore. This limit applies on all waters within these Alberta, except where other limits are posted. These provisions do not apply in rivers less than 100 metres (300 ft) in width, canals and buoyed channels, nor in the case of waterskiing, where the towboat launches and drops off skiers by heading directly away from or into the shore.
Where can I get more information on Boating rules in Alberta?
You can find more information on a number of government websites:
- Pleasure Craft Requirements Web Page
- Safe Boating Guide
- The Office of Boating Safety Website
- Boating Safety Bulletins Website
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