S.A.B.A. promotes key safety checks: life jackets, certified operators, valid insurance, and clear safety briefings.
Spot illegal charters. Know your rights. Report violations.
- Stay Safe.
Stay Informed.
Safe Boating Guidelines
S.A.B.A. champions Transport Canada’s "Smart Boating" initiative through nationwide education campaigns designed to foster a culture of safety and compliance across all Canadian waterways. Our programs emphasize four foundational safety checks to ensure every voyage meets the highest standards:
1) Proper life jacket use, requiring Transport Canada-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) for all passengers, tailored to vessel type and water conditions;
2) Visible operator certification, verifying that all licensed commercial operators and recreational boaters carry valid credentials as mandated by Transport Canada;
3) Current insurance documentation, ensuring compliance with liability requirements for both recreational and commercial vessels;
4) Mandatory pre-departure safety briefings, covering emergency protocols, distress signals, and location-specific hazards. By integrating these principles into our outreach, through workshops, digital resources, and partnerships with marinas and enforcement agencies, S.A.B.A. empowers boaters to mitigate risks, enhances industry-wide accountability, and supports regulators in promoting safer navigation practices.
Whether you're a weekend boater, a professional mariner, or a policymaker, our evidence-based guidelines provide a clear framework for accident prevention and regulatory adherence on Canadian waters.
How to Spot Illegal Charters
S.A.B.A. empowers all waterway users to identify and avoid potentially dangerous illegal charter operations by recognizing key warning signs: operators who fail to display Transport Canada certification or refuse to provide proof of valid insurance; vessels exhibiting poor maintenance standards such as faulty safety equipment or visible structural concerns; and crew members who cannot produce valid marine credentials or demonstrate proper emergency preparedness. Through our nationally recognized "See Something, Say Something" campaign, S.A.B.A. has educated thousands of recreational boaters, commercial operators, and waterfront businesses on these critical identification techniques, enhancing public safety while supporting Transport Canada's enforcement efforts. By encouraging Canadians to verify operator credentials, inspect vessel conditions, and report suspicious activity, we collectively reduce risks associated with unlicensed charters, protect legitimate marine businesses, and maintain the highest safety standards across Canada's waterways. Remember: your vigilance helps preserve the integrity of our marine industry and could save lives.
Passenger Rights & Responsibilities
Under Canadian maritime law, every passenger is entitled to fundamental protections, including the right to safe and compliant transportation aboard vessels that meet Transport Canada's rigorous safety standards, properly maintained safety equipment including lifejackets, fire extinguishers, and emergency communications devices readily available for all onboard, and financial recourse through full refunds when voyages are canceled due to operator negligence or regulatory violations. These rights come with equally important responsibilities: passengers must comply with all crew instructions during emergencies or routine operations, avoid reckless behavior that could jeopardize vessel safety (such as interfering with navigation equipment or ignoring safety barriers), and report any suspected violations, from inadequate safety briefings to visibly compromised equipment, directly to authorities or through S.A.B.A.'s reporting channels. By understanding this balance of rights and duties, passengers become active partners in maintaining Canada's exceptional marine safety record, while operators and regulators benefit from increased transparency and accountability across all maritime activities.
