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Canadian Regulation Changes: Rafting and Boating Bans |
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Written by David H. Johnston
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Thursday, 01 May 2008 |
Yesterday the Transport Canada announced changes to the Special-purpose
Vessels Regulations and the Vessel Operation Restriction.
There are two major changes:
The first one affects the white water rafting industry. They
now have specific requirements for all river rafting companies to have vessel
and safety equipment standards such as helmets, lifejackets and their
equivalents, and the circumstances in which they must be worn; operational
standards such as first aid training, familiarization trips and safety
briefings; and the maintenance of detailed records of each excursion.
The second major change affects paddlers in a more indirect
way. Under the new regulations, local authorities can apply to Transport Canada to place
restrictions on specific types of boats and activities allowed in specific
waters. It allows them to give a maximize engine power or speed as well as the types
of activities you are allowed to do (eg. Water skiing).
Before this, it was very difficult for local municipalities
to enforce any type of ban on personal water craft or boats but will now have
more resources on dealing with other aspects like shoreline speed.
As far as the specific changes regarding rafting, I haven't
seen the complete regulations yet but if I can dig up a copy, I will pass it
along. I have some feelers with some contacts looking for comments and will hopefully
follow up in a couple days.
Here is the complete press release from Transport Canada.
Photo via the Lord Elgin Hotel.
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