PASSEPORTFor more information:

To learn more on boating safety, obtain a free copy of the Safe Boating Guide by dialing

1-800-267-6687

or visiting Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety at

www.boatingsafety.gc.ca

BOATING SAFETYFOR FISHERMENAND HUNTERS

TP14659E

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EACH YEAR AN ALARMING NUMBER OF HUNTERSAND FISHERMEN TAKING PART IN WATER ACTIVI-TIES UNNECESSARILY LOSE THEIR LIVES DUETO NEGLIGENCE AND ALACK OF KNOWLEDGEOF WATER SAFETY RULES.THIS “PASSPORT” WILLHELP YOU PREPARE FOR A SAFE AND ENJOYABLEFISHING AND HUNTING EXCURSION.

CONSIDER THIS “PASSPORT” A PART OF YOURSAFETY EQUIPMENT AND KEEP IT ON BOARD. READIT AND USE WHAT YOU LEARN.

» Introduction

Table of Contents

Introduction

The ABCs of flotation devices

Overloading and watercraft’s stability

Alcohol Consumption

Safety Equipment is mandatory on board

a small craft

Hypothermia and survival in cold water

Pre-departure Checklist

Sail Plan

The importance of proper training

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Different styles

Today you can choose from a wide range ofpersonal flotation devices (PFD) offered in avariety of different colours and styles. Huntersand fishermen can now find PFDs designed fortheir activity.

Certain types have greater room to permitaiming for hunters, or freer casting for fly fishersand are available in camouflage. Others offercompartments for storing fishing tackle andaccessories (flies, lures, etc.). Another interestingstyle, which is light, comfortable and mostimportantly less bulky, is the inflatable type(thisone must be worn at all times to complywithstandards).

It is important to note that the most highlyvisible colours in the water are red, orangeand yellow. Wearing these colours increasesyour chances of being located during a searchand rescue operation.

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A large number of sport hunters and fishermendie each year simply because they either neglec-ted to wear their flotation devices or wore themimproperly. More alarming still is that the majo-rity of these had the life-saving devices on boardtheir craft.

The regulation requires that each craft (regardlessof the type of craft) have on board a CanadianApproved personal flotation device or lifejacket,of the appropriate size, for each individualon board.

» The ABCs of flotation devices

STANDARDS OF APPROVALTo comply with standards, you must ensure thatthe label inside the flotation device indicates thatit has been approved by one of the followingagencies:

- Transport Canada;- Fisheries and Oceans Canada;- Canadian Coast Guard.

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It is extremely dangerous to overload your craft,because serious consequences may happened.The most common cause of drowning duringrecreational boating is capsizing, followedclosely by falling overboard. Many precautionsmay be taken to reduce loss of life:

» Respect the recommendedlimits indicated on the capacityplate/label regarding the maxi-mum load or number of occu-pants that the craft can safely carry;

» Ensure even weight distribution of occupantsand equipment;

» Maintain the lowest possible centre of gravity within the craft;

Overloading and watercraft’s stability

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Popular Misconception

It is wrong to presume that it would be possibleto easily locate, and put on a flotation deviceonce you have fallen into the water, even ifyou are a good swimmer. The following areexamples of why:

» Wind and waves may make the task very difficult;

» Cold water temperaturesmay paralyze you;

» The flotation device itself may remainin the boat, away from your reach.

Tip

Make sure you shop around for a flota-tion device that is appropriate for you.Ensure that the style you choose fits you comfor-tably and, above all, wear it at all times onthe water. A flotation device, even within hand’sreach, is too far away. Checking the condition ofyour flotation device and trying it out in thewater is strongly recommended.

»

The consumption of alcohol in a pleasure craft ismuch more dangerous than most people realize.Fatigue, sun, wind and the rocking movementof the boat may all dull your senses. Alcoholintensifies this effect, reducing your reactiontime, your judgement and, consequently, yourability to navigate your craft.

It is as dangerous and illegal to boat while underthe influence of alcohol, as it is to drive a landvehicle while intoxicated.

Impaired operation of a watercraft is illegaland constitutes an infraction of the CriminalCode of Canada. Anyone operating a water-craft while under the influence of alcohol iscommitting an infraction that could result inthem losing their automobile driver’s license.

Keeping this in mind, wait until the day of fishingor hunting has ended before havinga drink. Don’t forget that you areresponsible not only for yourown safety, but also for thesafety of others on board.

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Alcohol Consumption

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» Properly secure equipment to avoid shifting,which could interfere with the craft’s stabilityand lead to capsizing;

» Ensure you are familiar with your craft’s limi-tations and handling. Overloading affectsstability and causes the craft to be more difficultto manoeuvre;

» Avoid standing in a small craft. If you mustmove around, keep your centre of gravity(weight) as low as possible.

Reminder

The number of occupants that may be safelytransported depends on the type of craft, theweight and distribution of on board equipmentand weather conditions.

Maximum Load

It is important to note that the maximum loadcalculation is based on use during fair weatherconditions with a well-distributed load.

»

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Did You Know?

Drinking one alcoholic beverage aboard a boatis the equivalent to drinking three on land.

During each outing, examine the condition ofyour equipment and ensure that you have allthe required safety equipment on board. Theminimum requirements are based upon thecraft’s length. For a motorized craft nogreater than 6 meters (19 feet 8 inches) inlength, the following equipment is required:

» An appropriately sized, Canadian approvedPersonal Flotation Device (PFD) orlifejacket, for each person onboard;

» A buoyant heaving line (15 metres in length);

Safety Equipment is mandatory on board a small craft

» A waterproof flashlight or 3 Canadian-approved type A, B or C flares;

» A Vessel license if your craft is outfitted,even temporarily, with any motor of10HP (7.5kW) or more. Ensure yourvessel is properly marked and you carrya copy of the vessel license.

The two last items (in yellow) are not manda-tory if your craft is not equipped with a motor(canoe, kayak, etc.).

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Did You Know?

All requirements apply to you even if you arejust renting or borrowing a craft, regardlessof its size. The responsibility for possessingrequired equipment is shared equally by thelessor and lessee.

Remember that the equipment must be ingood working order, easily accessible anduseable by everyone on board.

» Manual propelling device or anchor withat least 15 metres of rope, cable or chain;

» Bailer or hand pump;

» Sound signalling device;

» Navigation lights if the craft is used betweensunset and sunrise or during periods ofreduced visibility, i.e. mist and rain;

» A class 5BC fire extinguisher for any craftequipped with an inboard motor, fixed fueltank, and/or any fuel-fed cooking, heatingor refrigeration units;

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Fishing and hunting are activities that generallystart early and end late in the boating season.Waters are usually cold during those periods,exposing you and other recreational boaters tohypothermia and cold shock.

Cold shock is probably responsible for moredeaths than hypothermia. A sudden exposureto cold waters can instantly paralyze your mus-cles, leave you breathless, cause you to swal-low water and suffocate you within momentsof immersion. Should you survive the shock ofthe cold water, hypothermia is the next imminentdanger.

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Hypothermia and survival in cold water

» Tip

Apart from the required equipment,certain items could be extremely usefulin order to have a pleasant time on the water.If your trip is for several hours, you shouldhave with you:

» spare clothing in a waterproof bag(weather can change without notice, andit’s best to be prepared);

» drinking water and snacks;

» tools and spare parts (fuses, sparkplugs, etc.);

» a first aid kit.

Should you find yourself in the water it isessential to do everything possible to conserveyour energy and body heat. To lengthen yoursurvival time, the following is important:

» Wear your personal flotation device (PFD)or lifejacket. This will help you to stay afloatand keep your head out of the water withoutwasting your energy;

» Swim only if you can join others or reacha safe shelter. Do not swim to keepyourself warm, this will only hasten yourloss of body heat;

» If possible, climb on top of a floating object(such as your craft) to keep as much of yourbody as possible out of the water. Frigid waterwill lower your body temperature faster thanair (25 times faster);

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Hypothermia is a drop of body temperaturebelow normal (37 °C) that results from a prolon-ged exposure to frigid waters. The signs andsymptoms of the three different stages ofhypothermia are:

» First stage: shivering, reduced circulation;

» Second stage: slow, weak pulse, slowedbreathing, lack of coordination, irritability,confusion and sleepy behaviour;

» Advanced stage: slow, weak or absentrespiration and pulse. The person maylose consciousness.

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Before setting out, it is important to verifycertain elements to ensure the safety ofall aboard:

» Be aware of the weather forecast and of alllocal hazards;

» Always inform a responsible person of yourdestination, the time of your expected returnand a description of your craft;

» Check your fuel supply;

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Pre-departure Checklist

Did you know?A good rule of thumb regarding fuel is to rationone-third for the trip out, one-third for thereturn and one-third as reserve.» Tip

Wear layered clothing under a windbreaker ratherthan one thick layer. Wool, even when wet,retains more heat than synthetics (polyester).

» Assume the fetal position, or if you are notalone, huddle together;

» Remove the wet clothing of anyone who hasfallen into the water and warm him or herwith dry clothes.

Popular Misconception

Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does notwarm up but, rather, has the opposite effect.To warm up, it is preferable to drink a warm,sugared, non-alcoholic drink that is freeof caffeine.

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Need Help?

In case of emergency, it is important to knowhow to send distress signals and ask forhelp; it could mean the difference between lifeand death:

» On waters serviced by the Coast Guard,the VHF marine radio is generally the mosteffective way to broadcast your distress. Usechannel 16 and repeat “Mayday” three times;

» A cellular phone is also a means ofasking for help. The telephone number is 1-800-463-4393. Some cellularproviders offer the *16 service toreach the Coast Guard. Shouldyou find yourself in need of assis-tance on waters not serviced bythe Coast Guard, call the Sûretédu Québec (*4141) or the policeby dialing 911;

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» Whether you own or plan to rent or borrowa watercraft, always ensure that it is ingood working order and well equipped;

» Have on board all required safety gear,ensuring that it is in good working order;

» Make sure that the load is well distributedin the craft;

» Bring along a communication device to callfor help should you need it; and

» Always ensure that the drain plug is properlysecured before launching your boat.

Whether leaving for a few hours or several days,a sail plan remains one of your most importantlifesaving tools.

The sail plan holds information on the routeyou plan to take as well as details about yourwatercraft and the people accompanying youon board.

It is important to always leave a sail plan witha responsible person before setting out. Theperson should be advised to alert the appropriateauthorities (Coast Guard or police) in the eventthat you fail to return on schedule, so that theymay come to your rescue.

When undertaking a long trip it is recommendedto report your location daily.

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Sail Plan

Important

Always let the person you entrusted yoursail plan to know of your return to avoidunnecessarily deploying a search.

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» If you are planning a longer excursion of several days, you may wish to considerobtaining a satellite phone or anEmergency Position-Indicating RadioBeacon (EPIRB), which transmits a codedsignal used only in times of distress. Onactivation of the EPIRB signal, CanadianSearch and Rescue forces are deployed toyour rescue.

Did You Know?

To function properly, the Emergency PositionIndicating Radio Beacon must be registeredwith the Canadian Beacon Registryby calling 1-800-727-9414.

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Whether you own, rent or borrow a pleasurecraft, there are rules and information that youmust know before setting out. Furthermore, youhave the same responsibilities as other boaters(pleasure craft or personal watercraft operators).

Important

If you are loaning your boat, ensure that theoperator knows the existing Canadian regula-tions and safety measures to follow. Take thetime to ensure proper familiarization with theboat’s handling and that he or she holds anyrequired competency cards.

The importance of proper training

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Navigating in commercialshipping channels

» Respect right-of-way rules and keep clearof the path of larger vessels;

» Do not obstruct the channel; for example,never moor to a navigational buoy;

» Be seen. A radar reflector helps larger, lessmanoeuvrable vessels detect your presenceon their radar screens;

» Have on board the marine charts for theregion you are navigating.

The best way to obtain a proof of competencyis to take a course and to successfully completean accredited boat safety test. Learning pro-per navigational techniques and becoming wellacquainted with existing regulations will allowyou to use your pleasure craft safely and fullyenjoy your preferred sport.

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Did you know?

Occasional users wishing to lease a motori-zed craft must obtain temporary proof of com-petency with each rental by co-signing a rentalboat safety checklist with the lessor beforesetting out. This allows the operator to be fami-liar with the proper functioning of the craft, thegeographic characteristics and any hazardsthat might be present in the area, as well asboating safety rules.

The operator must have on board a copy ofthe verification list signed by both parties asproof of competency.

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According to the Competency of Operatorsof Pleasure Craft Regulations, all operatorsof a motorized pleasure craft, on all Canadianwaterways, must obtain a proof of competencyfor navigating the craft before 2009. This isalready mandatory for any person born afterApril 1, 1983, and for those navigatingcrafts of less than 4 meters (13 feet 1 inch)of length. All other boaters must obtain certifi-cation before September 15, 2009.

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Notes

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Notes