Private Buoys:
Private Buoys are regulated by Transport Canada and should conform to Transport Canada standards for colours and marking. This includes all of the buoys that are placed in the water including the marker on the end of a waterline.
To comply with the main principles of the Private Buoy Regulations:
1. Do not place a private buoy that will/may interfere with the navigation of any vessel, or that will/may mislead any boater.
2. Do not place a private buoy in any water unless all size, shape and identification requirements are met and all required information is accurate.
3. Make sure that all private buoys meet the Canadian Aids to Navigation System standards and guidelines.
Link to regulations governing private buoys (Transport Canada)..
Click here to open the Owners Guide to Private Buoys as a pdf file..
Why is it important to comply with the regulations?
You can be fined for not meeting legal guidelines and standards. In the event of an accident, private buoy owners may also be found liable for any damages resulting from negligent operation and/or maintenance of the private buoy.
Swim platforms come under the jurisdiction of the NWP and should be marked according to NWP standards. Swim platforms, to be legal, require a permit from the NWP and may need to be pulled in to shore or close to a dock before dark.
Link to regulations governing navigational aids on the water (Coast Guard)..
Quick summary of Private Aids to Navigation requirements..
pdf file containing 2001 Private Aids to navigation information sheets..
