New Legislation Allows Police to Issue Tickets 
DO YOU HAVE ALL THE RIGHT GEAR ON YOUR BOAT?  
By Wendy Rutherford

All boaters probably know that federal law requires a number of things
on each boat, such as an approved personal floatation device (PFD) for
each passenger, paddles and a bailer, among others.  The list of
required items varied, depending on the type and size of boat.  This
law was enforced by all levels of police:  local, regional, provincial
and federal forces.

But what you might not have known is that the police werent able to
issue tickets to offenders they stopped:  they were only able to issue
summonses to court.  The summonses required the alleged offender and
the police to appear in court, in the county in which the summons was
issued, to answer the charges.  For example, If the summons was issued
in the Georgian Bay area, offenders would find themselves obliged to
appear before a court in Parry Sound in January!

While the law was clear, in reality, boaters were not being charged
very often with small offences; because so much police time was
required, police were hesitant to issue summonses, except for the most
serious offences, which were often alcohol or drug related.  According
to one source, last year there were 1600 OPP patrolling Ontario
waters.  By August 1, 1996, only 550 charges had been levelled, likely
not for PFD or similar offences.

But all that has changed with the passing and implementation of a new
law, effective August 1st, 1996.  Now, an officer can issue a ticket to
an offender, just like a speeding ticket.  You can plead guilty and pay
your fine by mail, eliminating the requirement to appear in a
Northern-Ontario courtroom in mid-winter.

And how much will you have to pay?  Lots!  Here are a few examples:
Speeding				$100
Improper towing on water skis		$100
Operation of an unlicensed vessel	$50
Insufficient number of PFDs		$200
Prescribed fire extinguisher missing	$200
Bailer or manual pump missing		$200
Water skiing in a navigation channel	$75

So make a note ... in the spring check your gear and ensure you have
all the equipment required for your boat.  Remember, its not an
approved PFD unless it carries the CCG approval logo.  If youre not
sure about your jackets, check with the store you purchased them from.

To get more information, contact the Canadian Coast Guard at 334 Slater
Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N7.