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. is an independent non-profit that educates the public on how to avoid unsafe or illegal charters. Our awareness campaigns focus on three essentials every passenger should confirm before boarding:
1. The operator is licensed and qualified to carry passengers commercially.
2.The vessel has valid commercial liability insurance and proper registration markings.
3.Boarding and disembarkation take place at safe, authorized facilities.
By checking these basics, the public can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to illegal charters while supporting safe, responsible operators.
How to Spot Illegal Charters
Consumers can protect themselves by watching for common red flags of unsafe or illegal operators:
1.No Visible Registration or Vessel Name – Legitimate vessels display proper markings and registration numbers.
2.No Proof of Commercial Insurance – Refusal or inability to provide valid liability insurance is a major warning sign.
3.Unqualified Crew – Captains or crew unable to produce marine credentials or safety training certificates.
4.Unsafe Boarding Practices – Passengers asked to board from random seawalls, beaches, or closed public spaces rather than authorized marinas.
5.Overcrowding – More passengers than the vessel’s capacity allows, or no clear capacity limit posted.
6.Poor Vessel Condition – Lack of visible safety equipment, poor maintenance, or a generally unsafe environment.
7.Suspicious Advertising – Operators advertising only through informal social media accounts or cash-only arrangements, with no verifiable company details.
S.A.B.A.’s “See Something, Say Something” campaign trains Canadians to identify these warning signs and submit reports through our confidential reporting system. Public participation is vital — by recognizing and reporting these risks, consumers not only protect themselves but also help safeguard Canada’s waterways for everyone.
Passenger Rights & Responsibilities
Canadian marine safety standards provide passengers with important protections, including:
- The right to safe and responsible transportation.
- The right to approved safety equipment such as properly fitted lifejackets for all passengers.
- The right to transparency in booking, including refunds for trips canceled due to safety concerns or non-compliance.
With these rights come responsibilities. Passengers are expected to:
- Follow crew instructions at all times to ensure collective safety.
- Refrain from behavior that could endanger themselves or others on board.
- Report unsafe conditions, suspected illegal charters, or violations through proper channels such as S.A.B.A.’s reporting system.
By understanding both their rights and their obligations, passengers play a vital role in creating safer waterways for everyone.
