new boating certification needed

[scar]

Heard some rumors that ontario may have or is close to passing new regulations requiring boater certification needed. All boaters would need to pass a test.
is this true? what ages? everyone required?
thanks for any information.

[Nimstug]

In a word, no.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/deb..._visitor.htm#c

[fisher-1]

http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/deb..._visitor.htm#a

Non-residents only need the certification if they operate their boat for more then 45 consecutive days in Canada.

Scar,

The legislation passed years ago, just after the turn of the century, but is just getting to the point where it's actually in force--there was a notable grace period then a stepward progression of certification requirement by age, starting with teens under a certain age needing them first (a few years ago) then slowly moving up age brackets each year. In the end, it's pretty much what it was criticized for in the beginning--a money grab!

NWO Fishing Bum

p.s., there are some important tidbits in the certification course if you're travelling through marked channels with buoys, in high-traffic areas, etc., that may be useful for somebody that has never boated, but its applicability in northwestern Ontario (NWO) is virtually nil.