Can a family boat without license in Lake Ontario?

Question

I know nothing about boating or its safety issues. But I'm wondering if it's possible to rent a boat and go boating in Lake Ontario for a few hours with a family of 4 (2 kids under 6). Paddle boat is fine too I guess. Would you need a license for this? And where could you rent a boat for this, if possible.

I live in downtown Toronto, and the view from the balcony tempts so much to go boating in the lake.

Answer 1

Section 4 of the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations states that,  in the case of a rented pleasure craft, that only for the rental period, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is not required if both the person who makes the pleasure craft available for rent and the person who will operate the pleasure craft complete and sign before the pleasure craft is operated, a rental boat safety checklist.

So basically if you fill out a rental safety checklist before renting the boat, then you should be ok.  Although the exam itself to get the Pleasure Craft Operator Card is not that difficult and not overly expensive (and you can do it online) so you might as well go get the card.

FYI, you currently only need the PCO Card if ANYof the follwing apply:

1. You drive a powered boat under 4m in length

2. You drive a PWC, Sea-doo, or JetSki

3. You were born after April 1,1983

All operators, regardless of age and boat size, will need the card by September 2009.

Answer 2

go on the ferry to the to island, you can rent boats there in safe waters in the island!

Answer 3

Go to boatsmartcanada.ca.  This site will give you all the info concerning licencing, age requirements, safety, etc.  Have fun on the water!

Answer 4

For paddle boats, no license is required.

For motor boats, however, you need a current driver's license in order to be legal to drive the boat.