Department of Fisheries and Oceans
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Released: 27 October, 1999

Mou Between Ccg And The U.S. To Promote Harmonized Boating Safety Education Programs

October 27, 1999

OTTAWA -- The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Herb Dhaliwal, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Canadian Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators of the United States of America (NASBLA) to harmonize boating education programs in North America.

"Boating safety is an issue that is too important to have frontiers. I am pleased to see that our two countries are working together in harmonizing programs to ensure safer waterways for transborder recreational boaters " said Mr. Dhaliwal.

The Canadian Regulations for Pleasure Craft Operator Competency, in effect since April 1, 1999, allow American boating safety certificates or any similar document to be recognized by Canadian enforcement authorities as an acceptable proof of competency. NASBLA formally endorses the Canadian program and will be recommending and encouraging all states and territory members to recognize the Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card in their own state or territory.

"It has been a pleasure working with the Canadian Government on this initiative and we look forward to continued collaboration. It is a high priority to maintain our close working relationship that promotes safe and enjoyable boating with uniform rules for each of our nations boaters," said NASBLAÂ's president Paul Donheffner.

NASBLA coordinates approval of state and private boating education programs and promotes uniform boating regulations through the adoption of model acts and policies. The MOU calls for NASBLAÂ's Model Act to include sections that will provide reciprocity of the Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

"The shared goal of the Canadian Coast Guard and NASBLA is to improve boating safety knowledge of recreational boaters," added Mr. Dhaliwal. "Through their development of boating safety course standards for public education, both organizations are making a real difference."

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