Given a choice, boaters would rather have a free courtesy inspection for the required (and mandatory) safety equipment as identified by the Small Vessel Regulations than an on-the-water encounter with authorities who will fine boaters for non-compliance, explains Jim Bell, past commander of the Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons, Bay Of Quinte Squadron in Belleville, Ontario. And having volunteers provide the inspection helps boat operators identify any missing items required for their vessel. That’s the theory behind a new program instituted last year by Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety.

Starting in spring 2006, Transport Canada trained a group of CPS members to be Boating Safety Specialists who could review safety gear, personal protection, distress and navigation equipment and hand out a compliance sticker if everything is complied to. The annual sticker is affixed to the boat, which indicates it has been checked for the season.

In order to conduct an inspection, boaters are asked if they would like to have one done on their vessel. “We also take requests from anyone in the community who wants their boat inspected,” Bell adds. The specialist does not record the name of the boat, its registration number or the boater’s name. However, the boater must sign a form that invites the specialist on board. Armed with a checklist of pertinent onboard equipment– based on length as described on the Transport Canada web site or in the Safe Boating Guide – the specialist requests to see each mandatory item.

“For us, the program really got underway this year,” says Bell. He and six other members of the local squadron set up in the Belleville Harbor during North American Safe Boating Week this year and were pleased with the success of their first day. “It gives us the time and opportunity to educate and explain safety regulations to boaters. Often, people just haven’t had the time or the ability to sort through some of the information that they really need to know.”

Personal flotation devices are a perfect example. “We find that people often don’t understand the difference between a PFD and a lifejacket. We have to explain a life jacket has flotation to keep your head afloat if you exit the boat unconscious.” He watches to see where the life jackets are stored and if they have been taken out for a recent inspection. “You can usually tell if they have been stored and forgotten,” he explains.

Often, when they are pulled out for the inspection, the owner discovers damage or learn they don’t have the right size for everyone on board. “I always ask if they ever have children on board. For two children wearing the wrong size of a PFD, the fine is $500. Unfortunately, some boaters don’t realize life jackets are available in different sizes,” Bell says. “They also don’t realize that when they aren’t in good condition, they are no longer legal. We find broken zippers and buckles or even small tears. “If they have them stored in the front of the boat, I take the opportunity to explain that if they are stored in the bow they are not easily accessible if something like a fire occurs in the galley.”

Bell, who has been boating for approximately 40 years, is an active member of the boating community in the Belleville area. He is also well known for his business and community work. Along with 20-plus other squadron members, Bell took the Boating Specialist Course last year. “We basically maintain a relaxed atmosphere, stay on deck and ask for each item,” says Bell.

Another common issue is the lack of knowledge about flares. “Many boaters don’t know the difference between different types of flares or the fact they expire four years after date of manufacture,” comments Bell. “We can use this as an opportunity to explain and educate.”
Fire extinguishers are another issue. “They are unaware dry chemical extinguishers have to be shaken and turned upside down once in awhile and that they too, expire.”

Many boaters don’t seem to be aware that on the water, size matters – the larger the boat, the more safety requirements there are. Quite often, a boater will purchase a larger vessel, but fail to make any allowance for the changes in the required safety equipment. “Suddenly they need a buoyant heaving line as well as a life ring with attached buoyant line and they are still just carrying just a buoyant line,” he explains. “We also stress minimum requirements are just that, minimum.”

Once the inspection is complete and the boat complies with the safety regulations, the owner gets a sticker. “If there are deficiencies, the boater can rectify them and call us to revisit their boat for another inspection.”

“The courtesy inspection program works well for us,” says Bell. “It allows us to help boaters and get the message out about the safe boating programs we offer.” It also helps educate boaters about safety and become more competent on the water. (Page Top)