Boating Resources
Mariner Resources
Below are links to trusted resources for mariners and recreational boaters:
Transport Canada — Marine Safety
Transport Canada’s marine safety programs support a safe and efficient marine transportation system and provide guidance for vessel compliance and safe operation.
Canadian Coast Guard — Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR)
Monthly Notices to Mariners provide updates to charts and nautical publications for Canadian waterways, including changes that may affect navigation.
Government of Canada — Collision Regulations
Official regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 outlining the navigation rules (COLREGS) that apply to vessel operators.
Please note: These links are provided for convenience. We are not responsible for the accuracy, availability, or content of external websites you access from our site.
Tides & Weather
We aim to provide the most accurate, up-to-date weather and tide information for our coverage area. Checking current conditions helps you plan your trip and ensure you have the right gear on board.
Environment and Climate Change Canada operates two weather stations in our region:
Station 12 is unique in operating two vessels from different locations. With the Skookumchuck Narrows influencing Sechelt Inlet, tidal flow is strong and conditions can change quickly—making tide awareness essential for boating on the Sunshine Coast.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada provides tidal predictions for two locations in our coverage area:
Please note: We share this weather information for convenience, but we are not responsible for the accuracy, availability, or content of embedded data or any external websites you access through links on our site.
Vessel Navigation
Navigation lights help you identify a vessel’s type, direction of travel, and whether it’s underway or at anchor. If you operate between sunset and sunrise (or in restricted visibility), your navigation lights must be on, correctly installed, and in good working order.
The information below is provided as a courtesy. For the official source, visit Transport Canada’s pleasure craft safety resources or download the Safe Boating Guide. For more detailed rules, consult the Collision Regulations on the Government of Canada website.
Characteristics of Navigation Lights
Masthead light (white)
Displays a continuous white light over 225°.
Mounted on the fore-and-aft centreline of the vessel.
Visible from dead ahead to 22.5° abaft the beam on both sides.
Sidelights (red / green)
Green (starboard/right) and red (port/left).
Each shows a continuous light over 112.5°.
Visible from dead ahead to 22.5° abaft the beam on its respective side.
Vessels under 20 m (65’7”) may combine sidelights into one bi-colour lantern mounted on the centreline.
Sternlight (white)
Mounted as close as practicable to the stern.
Displays a continuous white light over 135°.
Visible 67.5° from right aft on each side.
All-round light
Displays a continuous light over 360°.
Special Vessel Lights
Towing light (yellow)
Yellow light mounted as close as practicable to the stern.
Displays a continuous light over 135°, visible 67.5° from right aft on each side.
Flashing light
Flashes at regular intervals at 120 flashes per minute or more.
Special flashing light (yellow)
Yellow light flashing at 50–70 flashes per minute.
Mounted as far forward as practicable on the vessel’s centreline.
Shows a light over 180° to 225°, visible from dead ahead to abeam, and no more than 22.5° abaft the beamon either side.
Blue flashing light
Blue all-round flashing light at 50–70 flashes per minute.
This information is summarized from Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide and the Collision Regulations. For official wording and detailed requirements, consult the Collision Regulations via the Government of Canada (Department of Justice) website.
Photo credit: BoatSmart Canada
