RCMP vessels on patrol were out in full force this past weekend in and around Kelowna, and officers are pleased to report that the general public seem to be getting the message, when it comes to boat safety on the waters of Central Okanagan lakes.
Kelowna RCMP were pleased to see that almost all vessels checked, over this past long weekend, had favourable results when it came to vessel operators ensuring that all the necessary safety equipment was on board their boats and in good working order.
Officers had a difficult time locating vessels on the water with insufficient personal flotation devices (PFD’s) or proper life jackets for all passengers on board along with other essential safety equipment dependent on the size of their vessel, such as fire extinguishers, buoyant heaving lines, bailers, re-boarding devices, sound signalling devices, or flash lights to name a few.
Police on RCMP vessels did however encounter multiple vessel operators who were either unable to produce valid proof of a Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card or provide the necessary documentation to prove licensing and ownership of their vessel. Failure to do so could result in the operator being directed to shore, ticketed under the Small Vessel Regulations (SVR) and/or the subject of a criminal code investigation launched to determine whether or not the vessel has been reported as stolen.
Enforcement officers have also encountered excessively noisy vessels on the water with loud exhaust contrary to section 1000 (1) of the Small Vessel Regulations (SVR), which states that no person shall operate a power driven vessel unless it’s equipped with a muffler that is in good working order.
For more information on boating safety and the equipment required for your vessel visit the Transport Canada website at: https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm
For more information on the Small Vessel Regulations (SVR) visit Government of Canada Justice of Laws website at: http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2010-91/