Keeping the roads and waterways safe is something that the Nova Scotia Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are responsible for. In order to maintain marine safety laws, the RCMP are allowed to monitor your boating habits and even search your vessel to make sure you are boating in accordance with the law. Responsible operators know these rules and understand the fines that apply – and how to avoid them! Here’s an overview of the penalties you face for unsafe boating in Nova Scotia.
- Operating a vessel if you are underage – $250
- Operating a vessel in violation of horsepower restrictions – $250
- Violating designated shoreline speed limits – $100
- Failure to have appropriate proof of competency (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) on board – $250
- Failure to operate boat in a safe manner – $350
- Operating a PWC (Personal Watercraft) if you are underage – $250
- PWCs include: Sea-doos, waterscooters, boatercycles, jet skis, and wave runners
- Safety equipment is not in working order or readily available to the operator – $200
- Boating in an unsafe manner without due care – $500
- No Canadian-approved lifejackets or PFDs on board – $200
- NOTE: $200 fine applied per passenger without a floatation device
- No spotter for passengers in tow – $250
- No seating for passengers in tow – $250
When operating your boat this season, keep these rules (and the associated penalties!) in mind. Violation of these laws will not only effect the owner of the boat, but the operator as well. Safe boaters know these rules – and more importantly, they understand how to follow them. If you have any questions about these fines and regulations, direct them at Nova Scotia’s RCMP. Boaters who have taken a Transport Canada approved boating safety course already know all these fines and more importantly – how to avoid them! Become a certified boater in Nova Scotia and explore to your heart’s content.