Boating
Safety and Regulations
All boaters should be familiar with boating safety and regulations before heading out on to the lakes.
Transport Canada provides a full on-line version of The Safe Boating Guide .
This guide lists:- Regulations on age and horsepower
- Boating and alcohol
- Equipment requirements for pleasure crafts
- Protecting the aquatic environment while boating
Transport Canada also provides a complete list of acts and regulations .
This includes:- Canada Shipping Act
- Small Vessel Regulations
- Boating Restrictions and Regulations
- Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations
- Collision Regulations
- Pleasure Craft Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulations
Many Area Municipalities in Muskoka have passed noise bylaws that require boat owners to use a muffling device on boat exhaust systems. These bylaws are the result of an amendment to the Canada Shipping Act - Small Vessel Regulations section. The Regulations amend the Small Vessel Regulations and includes a definition of "muffler" and specific exceptions to the regulation. Contact your local Area Municipality for more information on any local bylaw.
Pleasure Craft Operator Card
The following people are required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card:
- Operators of any powered watercraft under 4m in length (13.1ft)
- Operators of personal water crafts (PWC)
- Operators of any powered watercraft born after April 1, 1983
How do I get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
You can obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card from any accredited course provider.
You may also obtain the card online by completing a Canadian Coast Guard Accredited Exam through the Boater Exam website.
This Boater Exam website provides a free on-line study guide that covers 100% of the exam material. Registration and writing the final exam requires a registration fee.
Clean Marine Program
One of Environment Canada's Pollution Prevention projects includes the Clean Marine Program. Their goal is to achieve environmental stewardship through the many partners associated with the Clean Marine Program. This partnership works towards preventing and reducing water, air and land pollution from recreational boating activities in Ontario and across Canada through voluntary environmental stewardship and pollution prevention initiatives. The Ontario Marine Operators Association is the lead organization for the Clean Marine Program. Support the Clean Marine Program by choosing an Eco-Rated Marina as your home port.
| Major accomplishments of the Clean Marine Program |
|---|
| The distribution of educational pamphlets and handbooks |
| The development and implementation of the Eco-Rating Program to encourage stakeholders to adopt the measures contained in the Clean Marine Project Handbook into their business practice |
| The certification of over 250 marinas in Ontario |
To learn more about this Pollution Prevention Project, visit the Clean Marine Program website and their affiliated partners who make this program work on a day-to-day basis.
Clean Boater Program
The Clean Boater Program is an environmental initiative aimed at educating the boating public in "Environmental Best Management Practices". Joining the Clean Boater Program entitles you to:
- A Clean Boater Handbook
- A Clean Boater Membership Identification Card
- An Environmental Boat Inspection
- A Clean Boater Decal
- Interactive Clean Boater Newsletters and Website
- Discounts on Environmental Products & Services
- Discounts on Marine Expert Marine Insurance
Environmentally Friendly Products and Services
As a consumer of marine-related products, you should be aware that the choices you make at the store have a large impact on the overall health of your watershed. As a consumer and boating enthusiast, you should always make an effort to protect the boating environment by purchasing only products certified with the EcoLogo.
Terra Choice Environmental Services operates the Environmental Choice Program for Environment Canada. The Environmental Choice Program is Environment Canada's ecolabelling program that displays the designated EcoLogo when the product meets a set of environmental criteria.
By using products that display the EcoLogo, boaters can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, wastes and other environmental impacts associated with recreational boating.
The Enviro Boater Guide - A Guide to Environment-Friendly Boating is published by the Canadian Power & Sail Squadron in cooperation with the Canadian Marine Manufacturers Association, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Environment Canada. This manual is designed to provide tips and suggestions for environment-friendly boating in order to maintain our waterways.
Environment Canada's has a number of factsheets on pollution prevention and enviro-friendly marine activities such as boat cleaning, engine maintenance and repair, hull repair, green space buffer zones, and fueling.
Invasive Species
Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity of Ontario's waters. More than 160 non-indigenous species have become established in the Great Lakes Basin. Invasive species found in Muskoka include Zebra mussels, Spiny water flea, and Purple loosetrife. Discover more about aquatic invasive species.
Trent-Severn Waterway
The Trent-Severn Waterway is a 386 kilometre waterway located in central Ontario that forms the southern boundary of the District of Muskoka. It has a rich cultural history and is managed by Parks Canada. It has:- 36 conventional locks
- 2 sets of flight locks
- 2 of the world's highest hydraulic lift locks
- A marine railway
Public Launches in Muskoka
Many of Muskoka's lakes can be accessed through public boat launches and docks. Download a list of public access points here.
