Boating Safety and Regulations in Canada, Exams of Advanced Education

Download Boating Safety and Regulations in Canada and more Exams Advanced Education in PDF only on Docsity!

Canadian Boating Safety Course -

Chapter 5 Exam Questions and Answers

Safe Speed - Answer -All vessels should be operated at a speed that takes into consideration the time and distance necessary to take action and avoid a collision. Obviously, different conditions and levels of expertise will warrant different speeds. Certain areas may enforce local speed limits. Check with your local boating authority before heading out on the water to determine speed limits (if any) in your area. To determine a safe speed for your boat, take into account the following factors:

• Visibility conditions (e.g., fog, mist, rain, darkness);
• Wind, water conditions, and currents;
• Traffic density, types of vessels in the area, and their proximity;
• Vessel responsiveness (larger, more powerful boats require a larger turning radius and have a higher top-end speed which requires more time and distance to stop);
• Proximity of any navigational hazards. Also, remember that the wake generated by your vessel can cause damage to property and other watercraft. Adjust your speed accordingly. Sound Signalling - Answer -The Canadian Collision regulations require vessels to have an efficient means of producing sound signals based on the vessel's length: Vessels less than 20m in length — Must have a sound-signalling device (whistle) or other means of producing an efficient sound signal (such as an air horn); Vessels 20m and over — Must have two sound-signalling devices or appliances. Use of Sound Signals - Answer -Sound signals are used to indicate your intentions to other boaters. As a recreational boat operator, it is important to understand different sound signals, including what they mean and how to use them. When two power-driven vessels encounter each other within half a mile, sound signals must be used. The initiating vessel indicates a maneuver, and the responding vessel agrees or disagrees. Boating Sound Signals

One short blast (one second)*Applies on the great lakes only I want to pass you on my port side(PORT = 1 syllable = 1 short blast). One short blast International rule 34(a) Altering course to Starboard. Two short blastsApplies on the great lakes only I want to pass you on my starboard side(STARBOARD = 2 syllables = 2 short blasts). Two short blasts *International rule 34(a) Altering course to Port. Three short blasts Engine is in reverse. Five short blasts Danger, or do not understand approaching boat's intentions. One prolonged blast (4-6 seconds) Warning (entering or exiting a blind turn). One prolonged blast every two minutes Power-driven vessel operating in low or restricted visibility. One prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes Sailing vessel operating in low or restricted visibility. Use of Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility - Answer -During periods of restricted visibility, such as rain, mist, and heavy fog, you should slow your speed to give your vessel an opportunity to maneuver should the risk of a collision arise. Sound signals are required during these conditions, to indicate your presence to other boats in the area. When visibility is restricted by fog or smoke, additional sound signals are required: Power Vessel - Underway - Prolonged blast every two minutes. Sailing Vessel - Underway - Prolonged blast + two short blasts every two minutes.

Power Vessel - Underway but not moving - Two prolonged blasts every two minutes. Any Vessel - Anchored - Five seconds of rapid bell ringing every minute. Any Vessel - Run aground - Three bell strokes + five seconds of rapid bell ringing + three bell strokes every minute. Unless the risk of a collision is present, you should reduce your speed to the minimum required to remain on course. Nautical Charts and Publications - Answer -To make navigation safer, regulations require operators of ships greater than 100 tons to have onboard the most recent editions of the required charts, documents, and publications for the area in which they plan to boat. If you are the owner or operator of a vessel less than 100 tons, you are not required to have the charts, documents, and publications onboard as long as you have sufficient knowledge of:

• The location and character of charted shipping routes, lights, buoys and marks, and navigational hazards; and
• The prevailing navigational conditions, taking into account such factors as tides, currents, ice, and weather patterns. Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations - Answer -Regulations on boating restrictions apply to certain waters and Canadian waterways. Some provinces, like Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, have adopted a universal speed limit for boats of 10Km/hr when within 30m of the shore on all waterways, while coastal provinces such as British Columbia and Nova Scotia have done the same for their inland waters. Federal Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations are specific to certain waters and waterways in Canada, and can specify:
• The types of vessels prohibited on a given waterway;
• Standardized speed limits on a given waterway;
• Maximum engine horsepower on a given waterway;
• Power vessel restriction on a given waterway; and
• Waterskiing restrictions. Other Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations can also be passed and enforced by local municipal governments. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to all signs encountered while boating, and to comply with any indicated regulations. Boaters must not tamper with or alter regulatory signs in any way (i.e. hiding, changing, damaging or

destroying, or mooring to a sign is not permitted). Failure to comply with these regulations is a chargeable offense. Obeying the Rules of the Water - Answer -When encountering another vessel, as the operator of the stand-on vessel, you must:

• Maintain course and speed;
• Keep a proper lookout and return communication with the give-way vessel; and
• Do all you can to avoid collision. As the operator of the give-way vessel, you must take early and substantial action to avoid collisions. Stern If you are approaching any vessel from their stern (behind them), your vessel is the give-way vessel, keep out of its way. Starboard If you are approaching any vessel on their starboard side, your vessel is the stand on vessel. Maintain with caution your course and speed. Port If you are approaching any vessel on their port side, your vessel is the give-way vessel, keep out of its way. As a general rule, rowboats, sailing vessels, and canoes are less maneuverable and therefore have the right-of-way over power-driven boats. However, if one vessel is unable to maneuver as it normally would, the most maneuverable vessel gives way. Safe Boating to Avoid Collisions - Answer -Avoiding collisions involves precautionary measures (e.g. proper lookout, use of radar if present), but more importantly, collision avoidance is made possible when boat operators know how to deal with situations appropriately. Boats in constant motion will meet quickly, so take early and substantial action to avoid collisions. Rules of the Road (Right of way rules) - Answer -The rules of the road in navigation are often similar to the rules on land. The Collision Regulations contain many rules pertaining to navigation; however, four rules are basic to navigation. A boat that is overtaking another must steer clear of the overtaken vessel's path. A vessel approaching from the port side must give way.

When two vessels are heading toward each other, each must alter course and pass to the right of the other. As a general rule, rowboats, sailing vessels and canoes have the right-of-way over power-driven boats; However, if one vessel is unable to maneuver as it normally would, the most maneuverable vessel gives way. Operating near large vessels - Answer -When operating near a shipping lane or in areas of high boat traffic, smaller craft are not easily visible to larger vessels. Always keep a lookout for larger vessels and be prepared to yield the right of way. Specifically, always steer well clear of vessels in tow, docked ferries, or ferries in transit. Be mindful of cable ferries pulling other vessels - the cable might be submerged and difficult to see. Do not get in between a ferry and its tow. Keep an ear out for one prolonged blast from a horn, as this may be indicating a departing dock. Operators of smaller craft should attempt to travel in a group if at all possible, in order to be more visible Vessels Not Under Command or With Restricted Maneuverability - Answer -According to the Canadian Collision Regulations, any vessel not under command, or vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver - including fishing vessels, sailboats, paddle craft, canoes, and kayaks - has the right of way over power-driven vessels unless it is overtaking the power-driven vessel. When possible, keep clear of large vessels such as commercial or shipping vessels. These larger vessels take a long time to adjust course and speed. Respect their space and give them a wide berth. Steer Clear of Tug Boats A tug boat can pull a vessel with a long tow line that can hang underneath the water's surface, making it very difficult to see. Attempting to pass between a tug and its tow could result in your vessel hitting the hidden line and capsizing, or getting hit by the towed object. Shipping Lanes - Answer -Remember that large vessels found in shipping lanes will not always see your small craft, making it very dangerous for a smaller vessel to enter a shipping lane. The Canadian Collision Regulations state that power-driven vessels less than 20m in length, sailing vessels, and manually-propelled vessels must all steer clear of and avoid crossing shipping lanes wherever possible. If you must cross a shipping lane, do so at a 90-degree angle, and only when it is safe to do so.

Operation Within Narrow Channels - Answer -When approaching a narrow channel, stay to the starboard side and, using a prolonged blast, announce your approach to vessels that may be around the bend. When operating within a narrow channel, vessels must keep as near as is safe and practical to the outer limit of a narrow channel on their starboard side. Sailing vessels and vessels less than 20 metres in length cannot block the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel (i.e., recreational boaters travelling in a main channel should give way to larger vessels, such as tugboats). Aids to Navigation - Answer -In addition to their onboard equipment, boaters can rely on external aids to navigation, which are devices (buoys) or systems (collision regulations) that can help operators of pleasure craft determine their position and course. They also can warn of dangers or obstructions and advise operators of the best or preferred route. Note: It is important to be thoroughly familiar with the aids to navigation in your region. Port-Hand and Starboard-Hand Buoys - Answer -Port-hand buoys are green, and starboard-hand buoys are red. They show which side of a channel is safest to travel, and which side is hazardous. Generally, green buoys must be passed on the left side of a craft heading upstream (i.e., against the current, returning from sea). Red buoys must be kept on the right side of a craft when proceeding in the upstream direction. Here's a simple way to help remember these rules: think of three R's... Red to the Right when Returning* In many places, the direction of the current is determined by consensus or by the tide. Port-Hand Buoys (Green) - Answer -- Are green in colour and can be shaped as cans, spars, or pillars;

• Mark the port (left) side of a channel or the location of a danger and must be kept on the port (left) side of a pleasure craft when proceeding in the upstream direction;
• Display identification letter(s) and odd number(s);
• If they carry a top mark, it is a single green cylinder;
• If they carry a light, it flashes green; and
• If they do not carry a light, each has a flat top. Starboard-Hand Buoys - Answer -- Are red in colour and can be shaped conically, as spars, or as pillars;

• Mark the starboard (right) side of a channel or the location of a danger and must be kept on the starboard (right) side of a pleasure craft when proceeding in the upstream direction;
• Display identification letter(s) and even number(s); If they carry a top mark, it is a single red cone pointing upward;
• If they carry a light, it flashes red; and
• If they do not carry a light, they each have a pointed top. Bifurcation buoys - Answer -You may pass buoys with red and green bands on either side in the upstream direction. The main or preferred channel, however, is shown by the colour of the top-most band. For example, if a green band is on top, then you should keep the buoy on your port (left) side. Special Buoys - Answer -Special buoys serve a variety of purposes. They are not primarily aids to navigation, but provide the boat operator with a host of information. Some are cautionary buoys to mark a firing range or seaplane bases, while others gather weather information, locate prohibited areas, or mark designated mooring areas. The shape of the special buoys is not significant. They are identified by their symbols, drawings, and colours. Cautionary Buoys - Answer -- Mark an area where mariners are to be warned of dangers such as firing ranges, racing courses, seaplane bases, underwater structures, or areas where no safe through channel exists as well as areas of traffic separations;
• Are coloured yellow;
• Display identification letters;
• If they carry a top mark, it is a single yellow "X" shape; and
• If they carry a light, it flashes yellow every four seconds. Anchorage Buoy - Answer -- Are used to indicate areas which are favourable for overnight anchoring;
• Are yellow in colour;
• Usually have an anchor symbol clearly visible on them; and
• If they carry a light, it flashes yellow every four seconds. Mooring Buoys - Answer -- Are used to moor or secure vessels;

• Are the only buoys to which you may legally tie your vessel;
• Usually are found in designated anchorage areas. Swimming Buoys - Answer -- Are used to mark the perimeter of a swimming area;
• Boaters should always stay clear of swimming areas and take extra care around swimmers;
• Are white in colour; and
• If they carry a light, it flashes yellow every four seconds. Diving Buoys - Answer -- Are used to mark an area where scuba or other diving activity is in progress;
• Carry a red flag not less than 50 centimetres square, with a white diagonal stripe extending from the tip of the hoist to the bottom of the fly; and
• If they carry a light, it flashes yellow every four seconds. Particular care must be taken when boating in waters where there are divers. A vessel engaged in diving must display a blue and white flag (International Code A Flag). A red and white flag carried on a buoy is used to mark areas where diving is in progress, although divers may stray from the boundaries of the marked areas. Be sure you know what the "diver down" flags look like. If you see either flag, keep well clear of the vessel and diving site and proceed at a slow speed. Control Buoys - Answer -- Are used to mark an area where boating is restricted;
• Are white in colour;
• Have an orange, open-faced circle on two opposite sides and two orange horizontal bands, one above and one below the circle;
• Have a black figure or symbol inside the orange circle indicating the nature of the restriction; and
• If they carry a light, it flashes yellow every four seconds. Hazard Buoys - Answer -- Mark random hazards such as rocks and shoals (i.e. shallow water, sandbar)
• Are white in colour

• Have an orange diamond on two opposite sides and two orange horizontal bands, one above and one below the diamond symbols
• If they carry a light, the light is yellow and flashes once every 4 seconds Information Buoys - Answer -- Display information of interest to boaters, by using either words or symbols;
• Are white in colour;
• Can be distinguished by the orange open-faced square symbol on opposite sides and the two horizontal bands, one above and one below the square; and
• If they carry a light, it flashes yellow every four seconds. Keep-Out Buoys - Answer -- Mark an area in which boats are prohibited;
• Are white in colour; and
• Feature an orange diamond containing an orange cross on two opposite sides, and two orange horizontal bands, one above and one below the diamond symbols. Day Beacons - Port-hand day beacons - Answer -- Mark the port (left) side of a channel or the location of a danger during daylight hours;
• Must be kept on the port (left) side of a pleasure craft when proceeding upstream;
• Feature a square with a black or green coloured square, centred on a white background with a green reflecting border; and
• May be numbered using odd numbers and be made of white reflecting material. Day Beacons -Starboard-hand day beacons - Answer -- Mark the starboard (right) side of a channel or the location of a danger during daylight hours and must be kept on the starboard (right) side of a pleasure craft when proceeding upstream;
• Feature a red coloured triangle, centred on a white background with a red reflecting border; and
• May be numbered using even numbers and be made of white reflecting material. Day Beacons - Junction beacons - Answer -- Mark the area where the waterway splits into two channels;
• Can be passed on either side, but the preferred channel is indicated by the colour or symbol in the centre of the beacon; and

• Feature a red-outlined diamond with either a green square or red triangle in the centre, indicating the preferred channel. Cardinal Buoys - Answer -- Feature four different types (north, south, east, and west) and are used to indicate the location of safe water (i.e. a north cardinal buoy indicates that safe water is located to the north of it).
• Feature yellow and black colouration patterns, depending on the type of cardinal buoy;
• Are found primarily on international waterways and shipping lanes (in Canada, for example, they may be found on the St. Lawrence Seaway); and
• Are generally used in conjunction with nautical charts to indicate a specific hazard. In order to differentiate between the cardinal buoys (north, south, east, and west buoys) you need to pay attention to the two triangles located at the top of the buoys. The direction the triangles are pointing will indicate which of the four buoys your are looking at. Each buoy indicates the direction of safe water. For example, if both triangles are pointing upwards, it is the North Buoy. Isolated Danger Buoys - Answer -- Mark an isolated hazard in an area of water that is otherwise navigable;
• Are usually moored directly on or above the danger; and
• Usually mark a large rock, shoal, or sunken ship. Tying Up to a Buoy - Answer -Pleasure craft operators may not interfere with marine signals, as stipulated in Section 439 of the Criminal Code of Canada, by:

1. Mooring the vessel to a signal, buoy or other sea-mark used for navigation; or
2. Wilfully altering, removing or concealing a signal, buoy, or other sea-mark. Operators may only tie to mooring buoys. Operating Responsibly - Answer -As a responsible pleasure craft operator, it is important to remember that you share the waterways with many different and varied activities:

• Take extra care and stay clear of swimmers and swimming areas;
• Take extra care when near property;
• Remember that every vessel is responsible for the effects of its wake—adjust the speed of your craft so that the draw-off and wave disturbance generated by the passage

of your craft does not cause injury to persons, erosion of the shoreline, or damage to others' properties;

• Know and obey Collision Regulations; and
• Use courtesy and common sense to not create a hazard, threat, stress, or an irritant to others or to the environment or wildlife. One of the rules governing the operation of a vessel is that "every vessel is responsible for the effects of its wake." Boat operators must ensure that the wake of their vessels does not endanger nearby pleasure boaters or cause property damage to their vessels. Boaters coming to help someone in distress must not compound the circumstances of an accident or, for that matter, cause another one. The effect of the boat's wake is extremely important when approaching the victim of a fall overboard. Steps must be taken to ensure the wake is not so high that it washes over the victim. Operator Fatigue - Answer -When a person has been on the water for a while, the motion of the boat along with noise, the sun, glare and wind can lead to a case of operator fatigue. This is a condition in which the operator can no longer safely scan for hazards or react to hazards in a safe manner. Operator fatigue can be just as dangerous as operating under the influence of alcohol. Make sure you keep well- hydrated when out on the water. Know your limits and take frequent breaks to let your mind and body relax. Above all, avoid drugs and alcohol at all times while operating a boat. Vessel Operation Restriction - Answer -Vessel Operation Restrictions are specific to certain waters and waterways in Canada. Universal Shoreline Speed Restriction - Answer -Certain provinces, such as Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, have adopted speed limits of 10km/h when craft are within 30 meters of the shoreline on all of their waters, whereas coastal provinces such as British Columbia and Nova Scotia have done the same for their inland waters. Restrictions may also include:
• Prohibited vessel types on a given waterway;
• Standardized speed limits on a given waterway;
• Maximum engine horsepower on a given waterway;
• Power vessel restriction; and
• Waterskiing restrictions. Vessel Operation Restrictions can also be passed and enforced by local municipal governments; it is therefore important to pay close attention to all signs encountered while boating.

How do you read a restriction sign? - Answer -There are five types of shapes for restriction signs. The frame colour is orange. Signs with a section with a green border indicate that a special condition applies to the restriction (e.g. the day or time that an activity is allowed). The symbol on the sign indicates the type of restriction that applies. If the sign is arrow-shaped, the restriction applies in the direction pointed by the arrow. Boat Maneuverability - Answer -All boats handle differently and inexperienced operators need hands-on practice with a capable teacher to become proficient in handling their boat. A motorboat is most easily maneuvered going against the current or wind. When moving with the current, the boat must be going faster than the speed of the current in order to maintain control and maneuverability. Boats do not have brakes, so to reduce speed quickly, the motor should be put in reverse and power applied. Stopping in this manner requires practice. Consult your owner's manual for your boat and motor respectively for proper procedures. Careless Operation - Answer -The offence of "Careless Operation of a Vessel" has been added to the Canadian Small Vessel Regulations. An operator who is doing any of the following could face charges or fines:

• Travelling in a way that could adversely affect the safety of people or property considering the weather, boat traffic, hazards, or potential hazards, or the number of people around the boat; or
• Operating a vessel in a careless manner without consideration for other people or for the factors listed immediately above. Dangerous Operation - Answer -Operating a vessel in a dangerous manner is not only unsafe, it is illegal. Section 249(1)b of the Criminal Code of Canada says: "Everyone commits an offence who operates a vessel or any water skis, surf-board, water sled or other towed object on or over any of the internal waters of Canada or the territorial sea of Canada, in a manner that is dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances, including the nature and condition of those waters or sea and the use that at the time is or might reasonably be expected to be made of those waters or sea." Everyone who commits an offence under this section may be sentenced to:
• Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years;
• If the offence caused bodily harm to another person, the length of imprisonment may be up to ten years; and/or
• If the offence caused the death of another person, the person who committed the offence is liable to imprisonment for a term of up to fourteen years.

Mufflers and Noise Levels - Answer -Any power-driven vessel that was manufactured after January 1, 1960 and operating within five nautical miles (9.26 km) from shore must be equipped with a muffler to reduce the noise level emitted from the engine. This regulation does not apply to boats equipped with an unmodified outboard engine or any craft that is training, preparing for, or engaged in an official competition. Engine Noise Restrictions - Answer -It is illegal for a person to operate or give permission to operate a power-driven vessel unless the vessel has been equipped with a muffler to prevent excessive noise. Exceptions to this rule include:

• Vessels built prior to January 1, 1960;
• Vessels practicing for or engaged in official competitions; and/or
• Vessels operating more than five miles from shore. Inspections of Pleasure Craft - Answer -To verify and ensure compliance with the Small Vessel Regulations, an enforcement officer holds the right to inspect any vessel. This allows officers to:
• Board vessels.
• Examine vessels and their equipment.
• Request the owner or operator provide them with personal identification, as well as any other relevant licence or document (including Pleasure Craft Operator Card). Additionally, an enforcement officer may, in the interest of public safety, direct or prohibit the movement of vessels or instruct operators to bring their vessels to a stop. The following are among those designated as enforcement officers:
• Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
• Members of any harbour or river police force.
• Members of any provincial, county, or municipal police force. A vessel operator who, without reasonable excuse, fails or refuses to comply with a demand from a law enforcement officer to stop may face fines, as well as imprisonment for any subsequent violations. Blood-Alcohol Levels - Answer -The Criminal Code of Canada defines the legal limit for alcohol as 80 milligrams of ethyl alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. This is also often expressed as 0.08 grams of ethyl alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

Anyone found operating a boat while disqualified, prohibited, or under suspension is liable to additional criminal charges. Charges for these offences are listed under the Criminal Code of Canada and can include monetary fines, seizure of the vessel, imprisonment, or others. NOTE: In some provinces, operating a pleasure craft while impaired could result in the loss of your motor vehicle's driver's license. Security Considerations - Homeland Security Requirements in the United States - Answer -If you plan on travelling to the United States by boat, you should be aware that the U.S. government has enacted specific measures since September 11, 2001, to help deter unlawful or dangerous operations on its waterways. U.S. Homeland Security Measures violations can result in severe consequences. Please be aware of the following measures and act accordingly to keep waterways safe and secure:

• Do not approach closer than 100 yards from all military, cruise-line, or commercial shipping vessels;
• Slow to "no wake" speed within 500 yards of any large U.S. Navy vessel;
• Observe and avoid all security zones;
• Avoid areas with military, cruise-line, or petroleum facilities;
• Observe other restricted areas near dams, power plants, or other facilities:
• Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in channels;
• Report any suspicious activity immediately to local authorities, the U.S. Coast Guard, or marine security personnel, or call the U.S. National Response Center's Terrorist Hotline at 1 (800) 424-8802;
• Do not approach or challenge those acting in a suspicious manner, and never confront the suspicious party; and
• Ensure your boat is always locked and secured when unattended, and always take the boat keys with you. For more information in port areas in the United States, call 1 (800) 682-1796, visit http://www.uscg.mil, or check with local authorities. Propeller Intervention and Awareness - Answer -It is important to know the depth of the water where you are boating to avoid damage to the propeller. Also be mindful that your propeller has the potential to injure people in the water.

Rotating at great speeds and with a lot of power, the potential danger posed by boat engine propellers should not be overlooked. Each year hundreds of people accidentally come into contact with moving propeller blades. Since the propeller is located below the waterline and may be difficult to see, it is important that people are at all times aware of the propeller. This is most important when a person is in the water near the rear of a vessel or on the swim platform. As a precaution, operators should shut off the engine whenever a person is in the water within close proximity to their vessel. Safety equipment is available and when used properly can significantly decrease the probability of a propeller strike. Common examples of equipment are:

• Propeller guards
• Ladder interlock kill switches
• Man overboard cut-off switches
• Lanyard engine kill/stop switches Towing a Water Skier - Answer -Anyone who operates a vessel while towing a person on water skis or other device must also ensure that another responsible person is onboard observing or keeping watch of the person being towed. The person keeping watch must be able to relay information to the operator regarding the person being towed. Towing a skier without such a person onboard is illegal, and the operator may be found guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction. Additionally, it is illegal for the operator of a vessel to tow any person on water skis or any other device during the period from one hour after sunset until sunrise. Waste Disposal - Disposal of Toxic Substances - Answer -As stated in the Canadian Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals, the dumping of oil, garbage, and other hazardous materials is illegal for commercial vessels and pleasure craft alike. Boat operators are not permitted to dump oil into the bilge of their boat without means for proper disposal. Oil and other chemicals must be kept onboard in a receptacle until they can be properly disposed of. If oil or other contaminants are discharged, this must be reported to the Coast Guard or government authorities as soon as possible. NOTE: Any kind of spill or release of oil into the water may have serious long-term effects on the environment. NOTE: In all regions, marine pollution incidents may also be reported by contacting a MCTS centre on VHF channel 16. Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD) - Answer -The Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals do not permit the use of freestanding portable toilets onboard a vessel. All vessels fitted with a toilet must be equipped with a

marine sanitation device or a holding tank to prevent pollution and discharge of raw sewage. The illegal discharge of untreated sewage can have devastating environmental effects and is a serious offence. A typical sanitation system consists of an installed toilet, a waste treatment system, and/or a holding tank. Marine sanitation devices are designed to treat sewage onboard the vessel that it may be discharged, as opposed to being kept in a holding tank. For vessels with holding tanks, signs are displayed at marinas that have pump-out facilities. Check with local marinas to locate these stations prior to your voyage. Pollutants - Answer -The following elements are officially considered pollutants and cannot be discharged in the waters of Canada:

• Hydrocarbons and any hydrocarbon composites (e.g., fuel, oil, plastics, etc);
• Toxic solutions or cleaning products;
• Gray or black water (e.g., dishwater, runoff from showers, bathtubs, etc.);
• Organ stannic compounds (e.g., pesticides, herbicides, paint, etc.); and
• Refuse materials (e.g., garbage or waste matter). Avoid spreading these pollutants into Canada's waterways. Keep a trash container onboard and empty it when you get to shore. Before launching your boat, wash your hull, sanding or scraping any residue that might come loose into the water. Try to use alternative, eco-friendly (or "green") cleaning products on and around your boat. These products are efficient yet environmentally sound and will not contribute to water pollution. Aquatic Nuisance Species - Answer -Non-native aquatic species, plants, fish, and animals are invading Canada's waterways. These pests can propagate dramatically under the right conditions, displacing native species, clogging waterways, and affecting navigation and recreation. Once introduced, they are nearly impossible to eliminate. Hydrilla, Egeria densa, Water hyacinth, and Zebra mussels are all nuisance species that can be accidentally transported by recreational boaters when caught in propellers or intakes or attached to hulls. As a boater, you can help prevent the introduction and spread of non-native species from one body of water to another:
• Inspect your boat and dispose of any animals or aquatic plants prior to leaving any body of water;
• Flush raw-water cooling systems and clean sea strainers before moving your boat from one body of water to another;

• Empty bait buckets and remove any plant fragments from bait wells, fishing gear, trailers, dive gear or props, and dispose on land into a garbage receptacle;
• Drain all water from your bilge, motor and live wells;
• Wash your boat before putting it into a new body of water; and
• Report new infestation of non-native aquatic species to Environment Canada.