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Criminal Code of Canada
You do not have to memorize the section numbers; just be aware
of the general content as it relates to boating safety.
Violations can result in charges being laid under
the Criminal Code of Canada.
| Section 126(1) |
Failure to follow the lawful instruction of a peace
officer enabled by any statute may result in a penalty, on
conviction, of up to 2 years imprisonment, where any other
punishment is not prescribed.
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| Section 249(1) |
The operator of a pleasure craft cannot operate a
craft in a manner that is dangerous to the public.
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| Section 250(1) |
The operator of a pleasure craft must have onboard,
independent of the operator, a person to keep watch on the person
being towed.
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| Section 250(2) |
The operator of a pleasure craft cannot tow a
person after dark (one hour after sunset to sunrise).
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| Section 251(1) |
The operator of a pleasure craft cannot knowingly
operate a pleasure craft that is unseaworthy.
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| Section 252(1) |
The operator of a pleasure craft must stop and
offer identification and assistance when the operator is involved
in an accident.
The Canada Shipping Act
2001 describes the authority of law enforcement officers to
demand information and board and inspect a vessel.
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| Section 253 |
The operator of a pleasure craft cannot operate a
pleasure craft while impaired or while having a blood alcohol level
greater than 80 mg/100ml.
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| Ontario Regulation |
Police may suspend a licence if your blood alcohol
level is between 50 and 80 mg/100ml (known as the "warn
range").
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| Provincial Regulation |
Operating a pleasure craft while impaired by alcohol could result in losing your motor vehicle driver's
licence in some provinces.
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The consumption of alcohol, drugs or controlled
substances can impair a persons' ability to operate a pleasure
craft.
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| Section 254, 255 |
It is an offence to refuse to comply with a
reasonable demand by a peace officer for a breath sample or a blood
alcohol sample.
On conviction of impaired operation, penalties may
range from a $1000 fine to life imprisonment. A blood alcohol level
greater than 160 mg/100ml will be considered an aggravating
circumstance in sentencing.
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| Section 259 |
On conviction of impaired operation a person may be
prohibited from operating a vessel for a specified period of
time.
Operating a vessel while disqualified is an offence that can lead
to additional penalties such as fines or imprisonment.
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| Section 372 |
The operator of a pleasure craft cannot send false
messages.
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| Section 439 |
The operator of a pleasure craft cannot interfere
with a marine signal by:
- making fast to a signal, buoy or other sea-mark that is used
for purposes of navigation.
- willfully altering, removing or concealing a signal, buoy or
other sea-mark that is used for purposes of navigation.
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Review. |
