Going for a boat ride can be fun and exciting, but accidents can happen. You should be prepared.
If you’re a passenger on a small commercial vessel — like a charter fishing vessel or tour boat — here are some safety tips you should know:
- Small commercial vessel operators are required to provide a safety briefing to all passengers about safety equipment and emergency procedures — it’s the law. Make sure the operator provides this safety briefing, and listen carefully.
- If there are children in your party, tell the boat operator in advance how many there are, and their ages.
- Make sure the operator has the proper number of lifejackets, and sufficient lifejackets of the right size for all children on board when you board the vessel.
- Whenever you’re on a boat, know where the lifejackets and survival craft are, and plan what to do in the event of an emergency.
- You should also ask the boat operator if they have a valid inspection certificate from Transport Canada.