{"id":159,"date":"2024-02-21T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/\/?p=159"},"modified":"2024-10-23T20:22:06","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T20:22:06","slug":"know-the-facts-about-drinking-and-boating-in-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/know-the-facts-about-drinking-and-boating-in-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Laws to Know: Drinking and Boating in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"p1\">At times, we get a<em> lot<\/em> of phone calls. It turns out that Canadians call BOATsmart! to find answers to all sorts of questions about boating and Canada\u2019s Boating Laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve been asked everything from, &#8220;<span class=\"s1\">How do I dock a boat<\/span>?&#8221; to <span class=\"s1\">&#8220;How do I get a Canadian Boating License<\/span>?&#8221; to \u201cWill you marry me?\u201d (yep, our Customer Care Advisors are that good at their jobs!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Last but certainly not least, we hear from a lot of Canadians who are all wondering what the laws are for\u00a0<span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/knowledge-base\/article\/boating-and-alcohol-laws-in-canada\/\">boating with alcohol<\/a><\/span><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>in their province or territory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">So, let\u2019s clear the fog and get you on the right track to stay safe (and legal) while boating anywhere in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"737\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Know-The-FactsDrinking-1024x737.jpeg\" alt=\"A boat partially submerged, avoid drinking and boating concept. \" class=\"wp-image-124499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Know-The-FactsDrinking-1024x737.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Know-The-FactsDrinking-300x216.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Know-The-FactsDrinking-768x553.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Know-The-FactsDrinking.jpeg 1136w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Taking a &#8220;Booze Cruise?&#8221; You Could Lose Your Driver\u2019s License<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">In Canada, operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence under the\u00a0<span class=\"s1\">Criminal Code of Canada<\/span>. Authorities consider you to be&#8221;\u2018impaired&#8221; or &#8220;under the influence&#8221; if you\u2019re tested (with a breathalyzer or blood test), and the results determine that your <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/canadasafetycouncil.org\/canada-s-blood-alcohol-laws-among-strictest-western-world\/\" target=\"_blank\">Blood Alcohol Concentration<\/a> level (BAC) is in excess of 80mg. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Sure, people\u2019s tolerance level to alcohol may vary, but this number does <em>not<\/em>: 80mg = drunk boating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">And for good reason \u2014 alcohol consumption leads to 65% of boating-related accidents in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><strong>What Are The Penalties For Drinking and Boating in Canada?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\"><br>If you\u2019re convicted of operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Canada, you could face the following minimum:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>1st Offence: Minimum fine of $600<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2nd Offence: Minimum fine of $600 and potentially 14 days in prison<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3rd or Subsequent Offence: Minimum fine of $600 and potentially 90 days in prison<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">The <em>maximum<\/em> fines and penalties will vary province by province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><br><strong>When Can I Legally Consume Alcohol On a Boat in Canada?<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Boat passengers may legally consume alcohol onboard a boat in Canada as long as the boat is equipped with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Permanent cooking facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Permanent sleeping facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A permanent toilet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Additionally, the boat must be secured or anchored alongside a dock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">What does that mean? Most houseboats or yachts will meet these requirements, but not all boat types will. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Regardless of the boat you operate, it is <em>your<\/em> responsibility to make sure your boat meets these requirements before any passengers crack open any liquor or beer. You must stay sober to make sure everyone gets home safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is <em>always<\/em> illegal to boat while under the influence. However, the rules about when alcohol can be legally consumed and transported on a boat vary from province to province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-water-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"People on a boat on the water\" class=\"wp-image-127339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-water-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-water-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-water-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-water-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-water-1140x761.jpeg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-water.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>The Laws For Drinking and Boating Vary By Province<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We mentioned the laws for boating and drinking vary by province, so let&#8217;s take a closer look at the regulations and variations depending on where you boat in Canada. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Remember: boating laws may change over time. <\/strong>So, before hitting the water, check with your provincial police for the alcohol carriage and consumption restrictions that apply to your boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Ontario<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\"><br>In Ontario, the\u00a0<span class=\"s1\">fines and penalties\u00a0<\/span>for driving a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are the same as those applicable to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs per the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/ministry-transportation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ministry of Transportation<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\"><em>To be clear: <\/em>regarding penalties, there is <em>no difference<\/em> between drunk driving and drunk boating in Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">This can mean that an Ontario boater convicted of BUI may have their driver\u2019s license suspended for a minimum of one year. Ontario\u2019s Ignition Interlock Program can also apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">Note that boat\u00a0<em>passengers<\/em>\u00a0may consume alcohol on board a boat in Ontario as long as the boat has permanent cooking facilities, to<\/span>ilets, and sleeping facilities and it is anchored or docked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">The\u00a0<span class=\"s1\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.opp.ca\/index.php?id=123\" target=\"_blank\">Ontario Provincial Police<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>(OPP) can provide more information about these laws and BUIs in Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>British Columbia<\/strong> (B.C.)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\"><br>Like Ontario, boaters in BC face the same penalties as drunk drivers when operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Again, in this province, there is not a difference between drunk boating vs. drunk driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">However, you can legally consume alcohol when on a boat in British Columbia as long as the boat is licensed for alcohol consumption or the boat has a permanent toilet, cooking facilities, and sleeping facilities. This bost must also be docked or anchored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca\/cont\/index-eng.htm\" target=\"_blank\">B.C. <span class=\"s1\">RCMP<\/span><\/a>\u00a0can provide more details about the regulations for boating and drinking in this province. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/229A8666-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"People enjoying a boat moving quickly on the water. \" class=\"wp-image-126345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/229A8666-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/229A8666-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/229A8666-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/229A8666-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/229A8666.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Alberta<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">As with other provinces, Alberta delivers the same penalties and fines for operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as they do for driving a motor vehicle while under the influence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">However, you may consume alcohol on a boat in Alberta if the boat has the same permanent equipment we&#8217;ve mentioned: cooking facilities, a toilet, and sleeping facilities. You&#8217;ll also need to anchor or dock the boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca\/detach\/en\/find\/AB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alberta\u2019s<span class=\"s3\">\u00a0Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s3\"> <span class=\"s1\">can help <\/span><\/span>with more information about these laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Quebec<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">You guessed it: In Quebec, the penalties and fines for being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving a boat are the same as those that apply to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is no different than a DUI (Driving Under the Influence).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">However, boaters in Quebec can carry open alcohol on boats while the boat is underway. Even the boat operator may consume alcohol as long as their BAC level does not exceed the legal limit of 80mg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">For more information about these laws and penalties, contact the\u00a0<span class=\"s1\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sq.gouv.qc.ca\/services\/offre-service\/\" target=\"_blank\">S\u00fbret\u00e9 du Qu\u00e9bec (SQ)<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Saskatchewan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">In Saskatchewan, you&#8217;ll find the\u00a0<span class=\"s1\"><a class=\"highlighted\" style=\"color: #3366bb !important\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.sgi.sk.ca\/individuals\/safety\/drugs\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">fines and penalties<\/a><\/span>\u00a0for operating a boat while under the influence match the fines and penalties for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. Again, there is no distinction between drunk driving and drunk boating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">However, if your boat has a permanent toilet and sleeping and cooking facilities and is moored to the shore or anchored, you can consume alcohol while on board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Reach out to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca\/detach\/en\/find\/SK\" target=\"_blank\">Saskatchewan\u2019s\u00a0<span class=\"s1\">RCMP<\/span><\/a>\u00a0for more information about the laws for boating with alcohol in this province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/Boatsmart_1013-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A jet boat on the water with people on board. \" class=\"wp-image-37214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/Boatsmart_1013-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/Boatsmart_1013-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/Boatsmart_1013-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/Boatsmart_1013-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/08\/Boatsmart_1013.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Manitoba<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">In Manitoba, you&#8217;ll also find that the<span class=\"s1\">\u00a0fines and penalties\u00a0<\/span>for operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are the same as the penalties for operating a vehicle on the road while under the influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">In this province, it is also illegal to transport open alcohol on boats. Boaers may only consume alcohol on board a boat when it is moored or anchored and has cooking facilities, a permanent toilet, and sleeping accommodations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Newfoundland and Labrador<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\"><br><span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">We may sound like a broken record, but in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/boating-in-newfoundland-and-labrador\/\">Newfoundland and Labrador<\/a>, the fines and penalties for driving a boat while impaired are the same as those applicable to driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence \u2014 much like in other <\/span>provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">However, if your boat is anchored or moored and has sleeping and cooking facilities and a permanent toilet, you can consume alcohol on board. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca\/detach\/en\/find\/NL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Newfoundland and Labrador\u00a0<span class=\"s1\">RCMP<\/span><\/a>\u00a0can provide more information about these laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><strong>New Brunswick<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Boating while impaired in New Brunswick means you&#8217;ll face penalties and fines matching the penalties for drunk driving. There is no difference between drunk driving and drunk boating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">However, passengers on a boat can legally consume alcohol on board a boat in this province if the vessel is docked or anchored and has a permanent toilet and cooking and sleeping facilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Check with <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca\/en\/nb\/home\" target=\"_blank\">New Brunswick\u2019s\u00a0<span class=\"s2\">RCMP<\/span><\/a>\u00a0for more information about the laws for boating and drinking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Boating-engine-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"A view behind a boat moving across the water, know drinking and boating facts in Canada concept. \" class=\"wp-image-126344\" width=\"780\" height=\"517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Boating-engine-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Boating-engine-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Boating-engine-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Boating-engine-1536x1020.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Boating-engine-2048x1360.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Boating-engine-1140x757.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Nova Scotia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Avoid drinking and boating in Nova Scotia, or you&#8217;ll face <span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.novascotia.ca\/sns\/rmv\/safe\/alcohol.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fines and penalties<\/a><\/span>\u00a0similar to drinking and driving on land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">But, your passengers can enjoy a drink onboard if your boat offers a permanent toilet and sleeping and cooking facilities while anchored or docked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>PEI (Prince Edward Island)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\"><br>Did you know? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/boating-in-prince-edward-island\/\">When boating in PEI<\/a> (Prince Edward Island), the\u00a0fines and penalties\u00a0for BUI are the same as DUI. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Boat passengers can legally consume alcohol on boats in Prince Edward Island if the vessels have a permanent toilet, cooking facilities, and sleeping facilities. The vessel must also be docked or anchored. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca\/en\/pe\/home\" target=\"_blank\">Prince Edward Island\u00a0RCMP<\/a>\u00a0can provide more information about these laws for boating with alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>The Yukon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\"><br>The\u00a0<span class=\"s1\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/yukon.ca\/en\/driving-and-transportation\/driving-offences-and-penalties\/find-out-about-driving-impaired\" target=\"_blank\">fines and penalties<\/a><\/span>\u00a0in the Yukon for driving a boat while under the influence are the same as driving a motor vehicle while impaired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Like other provinces, make sure your boat offers a permanent toilet and sleeping and cooking facilities \u2014 while moored or anchored \u2014 before passengers consume any alcohol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/db_lifestyle-73-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"People on an anchored pontoon boat. \" class=\"wp-image-126656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/db_lifestyle-73-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/db_lifestyle-73-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/db_lifestyle-73-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/db_lifestyle-73-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/db_lifestyle-73-1140x761.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/db_lifestyle-73.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Northwest Territories<\/strong> (NWT)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">In the NWT, the fines and penalties for driving a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are the same as those when operating motor vehicles while under the influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">However, passengers on a boat may legally enjoy drinking on board a boat in this province if the boat is anchored or secured to a dock. The boat must also have cooking facilities, sleeping facilities, and a permanent toilet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Nunavut<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Lastly, when boating and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/fishing-in-nunavut\/\">fishing in Nunavut<\/a>, you&#8217;ll face the same fines and penalties for drunk boating as you would for drunk driving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">However, if your boat has a permanent toilet, is anchored or docked, and has sleeping and cooking facilities, your passengers can legally consume alcohol on board.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/05\/swimcropdrown.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/05\/swimcropdrown-1024x656.jpg\" alt=\"Image of a man underwater - illustration the dangers of drinking and boating. \" class=\"wp-image-15742\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2><br>Understand &#8220;<strong>Booze Cruise&#8221; Risks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Most boaters don\u2019t think about boating fines and penalties until they\u2019re on the lake, in the &#8220;penalty moment&#8221; getting a ticket from a marine police officer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\"><em>Don\u2019t let this happen to you. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">Prioritize boating safety, make sure you have your Canadian boating license and all of your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/knowledge-base\/article\/boating-safety-equipment-canada\/\">required boat safety equipment<\/a>\u00a0on board, and know the risks of drunk boating.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Think of it this way: You go boating with the people you love, right? Never risk the safety of your loved ones. Drinking and driving is as dangerous on the water as it is on a highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Stay sober on the water boat operators! Enjoy a cold beverage once back on shore or once you\u2019ve met all of the legal requirements for consuming alcohol on your boat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/05\/people-on-sail-boat-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-127273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/05\/people-on-sail-boat-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/05\/people-on-sail-boat-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/05\/people-on-sail-boat-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/05\/people-on-sail-boat-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/05\/people-on-sail-boat-1140x760.jpeg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/05\/people-on-sail-boat.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>Stay Safe With Boating Education (and Avoid BUIs)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Boating responsibly and following your provincial laws about drinking and boating help you stay safe! After a fun day on the water, reward yourself with a cold beer after you\u2019ve got everyone home safe and sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada also requires boat operators to have a boater education card (or boating license). To help you meet this legal requirement, BOATsmart! offers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/ca\/\">online boater safety courses<\/a> that meet Transport Canada&#8217;s requirements for boater education. You can also get your card through our website and then hit the water legally and safely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>First published in May 2018. Content most recently reviewed and updated for relevancy and accuracy October 23, 2024.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At times, we get a lot of phone calls. It turns out that Canadians call BOATsmart! to find answers to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":126663,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[680],"tags":[775,776,777,692,778,779,780],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v14.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Know the Laws about Drinking and Boating in Canada | BOATsmart! Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"An overview of the privincial regulations for drinking and boating across Canada. 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