Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide: “Anyone using a PWC must be at least 16 years old, have proof of competency and proof of age on board.” Under-16s can’t drive one even with an adult beside them. The PFD you carry must be inherently buoyant, so no inflatables, and Transport Canada says to wear it at all times. VesselSOS adds a live link for the people ashore and a one-tap call to the Coast Guard rescue centre for your waters, or 911 inland.
A personal watercraft has a motor, so the operator needs proof of competency on board, usually the Pleasure Craft Operator Card, which is valid for life (Transport Canada). Transport Canada: “Youth under the age of 16, regardless of supervision, may not operate a personal watercraft (PWC).” The age and horsepower restrictions don’t apply in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, and proof of competency isn’t required on their waters. Renting from a company? A completed rental boat safety checklist counts as proof of competency for the rental period only.
A PFD or lifejacket carried for someone on a personal watercraft “shall be inherently buoyant” (SOR/2010-91, s. 10), so inflatables don’t count. The Safe Boating Guide: “Always wear a Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD (inflatable PFDs aren’t allowed).” Look for the approval label from Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard or Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Non-residents operating their own craft in Canadian waters for less than 45 consecutive days are exempt from the competency rules. Stay longer, or ride a craft licensed or registered in Canada (rentals included), and you need proof of competency: a Canadian card, a rental checklist, or an operator card that meets the rules of your own state or country, with proof of residence on board (Transport Canada visitor information).
Out of fuel off the beach, with nobody in danger, is a tow, not a rescue. Tap No and, where they say they operate, the app shows C-Tow (southern BC, southern Ontario, Conception Bay) and TowBoatUS (BC) with their 24-hour dispatch lines; elsewhere, call a marina or a boat nearby. When it genuinely is life-threatening, it’s one tap on SOS, one yes/no question, and the app calls the Coast Guard rescue centre for your waters, or 911 inland. Not sure where the line is? Read broken down: who to call.
VesselSOS is not an anti-theft tracker, and it doesn’t promise rescue. It’s a quick way to be seen from shore and to make the right call fast.
At least 16, with proof of competency and proof of age on board. Under-16s can’t operate a personal watercraft even under direct supervision. These restrictions don’t apply in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
You need proof of competency, usually the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), and it’s valid for life.
Yes. The phone stays zipped in your PFD or a pouch; tracking runs by itself and needs no attention while you ride.