OSA has done over 25 presentations to representatives of member clubs, plus 6 articles to keep our members informed on the progress of this project. The article's second paragraph is completely wrong. People aged 55 years and over, when the regulations come into force, will be exempt. Experienced boaters will have the option of taking a challenge test without taking a course. Foreign visitors who have a pleasure boat in Canada will be granted a grace period of 45 consecutive days.
Officials hope to stem waterway carnage by requiring licenses for all but least powerful motorboats.
A federal government licensing program, which will take effect Jan. 1, will start with those under 16 and in 10 years will expand to include everyone up to 55, sources have told The Globe and Mail. People older than 55 will be exempt. As well, it will become illegal for anyone under 12 to drive any boat equipped with more than a 10-horsepower motor. Drivers from 12 to 16 years old will be limited to boats with a maximum of 40 horsepower. The system will have serious implications for the millions of cottage country and recreational boaters across Canada, at first by weeding out young children.