Motorized boat operators beware!

One of my favourite characters, in one of my favourite books, once said "There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats".

Well, effective September 15, 2009, it just got a bit harder to simply mess about with boats (any boat with an engine that is) - with the introduction of the Mandatory Power Craft Operators licence.

These licencing requirements have been eased in over the past few years, beginning with the requirement that all young boaters demonstrate their proficiency. Now the rules apply to us all, so whether you are churning up Cultus Lake with a Seadoo, 

or fishing in a tin boat off White Rock: if your vessel is motorized, you need a licence. Licences are available to anyone who has challenged the exam, and can demonstrate their basic knowledge of the rules of the road and general boating safety.

For us water rats addicted to simply messing around in boats, it's hard to knock any government initiative that helps make our local waters safer...so, bite the bullet, pay the fee and write the exam!

(And should you see a pudgy, middle-aged guy in a silly Tilley hat, paddling a Kayak along the Port Moody waterfront, slow down!)