Now that the Toronto and Vancouver International Boat Shows have wrapped up, and my 10-or-so seminar presentations along with it, I thought I’d share the top four “I didn’t know that!” moments that became hot topics of conversation. From an update to pyrotechnic flare laws, to a cell phone saviour service, here we go:
1. CPS-ECP is No More -- Say Hello to CanBoat/NautiSavoir
For over 85 years, Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS-ECP) has been a trusted name in boating education, guiding Canadians through the ins and outs of safe and responsible boating. But as the tides of the boating world shift, so too must the organizations that support it.
Enter CanBoat/NautiSavoir, a fresh and modern rebrand designed to bring new energy to a long-standing institution. Unveiled earlier this year, the rebrand isn’t just about a new name and logo—it’s about evolving to meet the needs of a changing boating community. The classic red maple leaf and blue wave now represent the organization’s commitment to safe, accessible boating across Canada’s vast waterways.
So why the change? According to Chief Commander Lise Blais, the move was driven by research showing that CPS-ECP’s traditional image needed a refresh to resonate with a new generation of boaters. “We’re very respectful of our past, but we also need to chart a course for the future,” she said. That future includes attracting younger boaters, first-time boat owners, and anyone looking to get more comfortable on the water.
“The objective of the new brand was to refresh our name and visual identity,” explains National Marketing Chair Bruce Kelley. “We also felt the need to successfully appeal to younger boaters to take our courses, become members, and volunteer.”
The modernization extends beyond branding, with CanBoat investing in digital learning, updated course materials, and outreach efforts to make safe boating more accessible than ever. But don’t worry—CanBoat is still the go-to for essential training like the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) and Maritime Radio Course.
The rebrand isn’t just a facelift—it’s a declaration. A reminder that boating in Canada is evolving, and CanBoat is evolving with it. Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or just starting out, CanBoat is here to help you navigate the waters safely and confidently as it has since 1938, just with a fresh new look.
2. CanBoat’s PCOC -- Your Ticket to Cross-Border Boating Bliss
Not all Pleasure Craft Operator Cards (PCOCs) are created equal. If you’re planning to sail your vessel into U.S. waters, having just any Canadian boating card might not be enough to satisfy the authorities across the border.
Enter CanBoat/NautiSavour’s PCOC, the only Canadian-issued card accredited by Transport Canada and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). This dual recognition means it’s officially acknowledged by the U.S. Coast Guard, a crucial factor if you’re cruising the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, or the Strait of Georgia and crossing into American waters.
So why does this matter? Well, in the U.S., boaters need to have an officially recognized boating safety education certification to operate a vessel in many states. NASBLA is the governing body that determines which courses meet their standards, and the U.S. Coast Guard recognizes NASBLA-approved courses as meeting federal boating safety education requirements. That means with a CanBoat PCOC, you can legally operate a vessel in most U.S. states without needing additional certification.
On the flip side, if your Canadian-issued PCOC isn’t recognized by NASBLA or the U.S. Coast Guard, you might find yourself answering some tricky questions from the authorities at the marina or during a routine patrol. And trust me, no one wants their boating vacation cut short because of a paperwork problem.
So if you’re thinking of setting sail into U.S. waters, check your PCOC! If it’s from CanBoat, you’re good to go. Otherwise, you might want to consider upgrading. Think of it as an all-access pass to North American waterways!
3. Electronic Visual Distress Signals (eVDS): A Bright Idea for Safety
For decades, boaters have relied on pyrotechnic flares as their go-to distress signal in an emergency. And while they certainly work, let’s be honest—traditional flares come with a few challenges. They have a limited shelf life, they need to be replaced every four years, they create fire hazards, and let’s not even talk about the difficulty of disposing of expired ones legally!
But there’s good news on the horizon: Transport Canada now allows electronic visual distress signals (eVDSDs) as an alternative to traditional flares for pleasure craft.
If you’re not keen on carrying explosive materials aboard, you now have an approved, legal, and much safer option—provided it meets Transport Canada’s strict standards.
Here’s how they work:
eVDSDs emit a bright, pulsating SOS signal in Morse code, which can be seen for miles.
They run on batteries, meaning no risk of accidental ignition or fire.
They last longer than traditional flares, often several years with proper care.
Unlike traditional flares, which burn out after a few seconds, an eVDSD can flash for hours, significantly increasing the chances of being spotted by rescuers.
However, before you swap out your old flares, there are some important conditions:
Not all eVDSDs are Transport Canada approved. Only devices that meet the RTCM Standard 13200.0 are considered valid replacements. Ensure it states that it is Transport Canada approved
eVDSDs can only be used at night—so if you’re boating during the day, you still need to carry an approved daytime distress signal, such as an orange smoke flare.
You must also have a sound-signaling device (such as a whistle or horn) on board, as per standard safety regulations.
This is a huge step forward for boating safety and modernization. It means that boaters can now have a longer-lasting, reusable, and less hazardous way to signal for help in an emergency. Plus, there’s no more worrying about flare disposal — because let’s face it, getting rid of expired flares legally these days is about as easy as finding buried treasure without a map.
So, if you haven’t already, consider upgrading your distress signaling equipment. Your future self (and your nerves) will thank you!
4. Dialing *16 -- Your Lifeline to the Canadian Coast Guard
We all know that in an emergency on land you dial 911. But what about when you’re out on the water?
A lot of boaters assume that if they run into trouble, they can just call 911 on their cell phone — but that’s not always the best option. Depending on your location, 911 operators may not have direct access to marine rescue resources nor be able to help you locate yourself in open waters where street signs and addresses don’t litter the landscape.
If your vessel is over 8-metres (26.24-feet) you’re required to have a VHF radio according to Transport Canada regulations. But if you’re under and don’t have one, you can still directly reach the Coast Guard with ease by dialing STAR-1-6, or *16 from your cell phone. Of course, you need to have cell coverage for this to work but most near-shore locations are much of the Great Lakes have coverage these days.
Is this really likely? Who goes on big water in a smaller boat? Lots of people! Small is relative. There are robust beasts out there that aren’t 50-footers. For example, let’s say you own a 25-foot KingFisher, a British Columbia-made aluminum fishing boat. It’ll happily cruise the Strait of Georgia, Georgian Bay, or the Great Lakes all day long — but what happens if something goes wrong and you don’t have a VHF on board?
This is exactly when *dialing 16 becomes a lifesaver. With something you’ve probably got in your pocket right now, you’re immediately connected to the Canadian Coast Guard, who can dispatch help right to your location. No call routing, no waiting for a 911 operator to figure out if they should send police, fire, or marine rescue—just direct communication with the people trained to handle situations exactly like yours.
Everyone in Canada should know about it, particularly with young kids who may not know how to operate the VHF in an emergency but are, no doubt, already more adept at smartphones than you’ll ever be!
So, if you don’t have a VHF radio on board, *memorize 16. It could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious emergency.
Smooth Sailing Ahead
So, there you have it — the top four boating questions answered with a splash of fun!
Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons mission that began in 1938 is still going strong, but under a new name: CanBoat (NautiSavoir en francais)
If you want to cruise into U.S. waters hassle-free, make sure your PCOC is CanBoat-approved.
If you want a safer, easier alternative to pyrotechnic flares, check out Transport Canada-approved eVDSDs.
If you need help on the water, dialing 16 on your phone will connect you to the Coast Guard—but always carry a VHF radio too!
These little-known facts can save you time, money, and even your life on the water. So next time you're out on the waves, you’ll not only have the wind in your hair—you’ll also have peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
Until next time, keep your life jackets snug, your spirits high, and your boating knowledge sharp. See you on the water! #news #tips #waterwaystv
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