Previously, offences had to be processed through the courts in the same way as offences under the Criminal Code . Law enforcement agencies felt the process was cumbersome and overly time-consuming for certain regulatory offences. Under the new Act, enforcement authorities can ticket offenders on the spot instead of requiring them to appear in court. Tickets can be issued for offences such as not having the required safety equipment on board, disobeying speed limits, or careless operation. Nova Scotia and Quebec are expected to adopt the system in the summer of 1999.
Discussions are ongoing with the remaining provinces and territories to do the same.
Most on-water enforcement agencies have a zero tolerance when it comes to each person on board not having a Canadian approved personal flotation device or lifejacket that is an appropriate fit and is in good condition.