Editor
03-11-2010, 09:08 AM
DES MOINES - Anglers heading to Canada for their annual fishing trip should take note of a new requirement for recreational boaters on Canadian waters. The new regulations require anyone who operates a pleasure boat licensed or registered in Canada, including rented or chartered, to have "proof of competency," that states have successfully completed a boating safety course since 1999.
The regulations do not apply to non-residents who operate their pleasure craft in Canadian waters for less than 45 consecutive days.
Operators can show proof of competency in one of three forms: a Canadian-issued pleasure craft operator card, a completed boat rental safety check-list for power-driven rental boats, or an operator card or equivalent that meets the requirements of their state or country.
Operators must carry their proof of competency and proof of age on board at all times.
There is a link to the regulations on the boating safety page at www.iowadnr.gov or by going to www.iowadnr.gov/law/boating/.
The regulations do not apply to non-residents who operate their pleasure craft in Canadian waters for less than 45 consecutive days.
Operators can show proof of competency in one of three forms: a Canadian-issued pleasure craft operator card, a completed boat rental safety check-list for power-driven rental boats, or an operator card or equivalent that meets the requirements of their state or country.
Operators must carry their proof of competency and proof of age on board at all times.
There is a link to the regulations on the boating safety page at www.iowadnr.gov or by going to www.iowadnr.gov/law/boating/.