Sunday, February 27, 2011

Boaters baffled by new federal rules, fee - British Columbia - CBC News

Beginning of Story Content

Many canoeists and kayakers are confused and worried about new federal regulations that re-classify their boats as commercial vessels.

The Transport Canada regulations, brought in last fall, will require everyone from professional outfitters to people leading recreational boat trips to fill out five separate forms, measure their boat and pay a $50 fee.

Federal Transport Minister Chuck Strahl's office told CBC News in an email that the department is reviewing the policy, and that "common sense would prevail." But boaters are still concerned it could affect their summer paddling plans.

Scouts Canada said it's being asked to register any boat being used on a recreational trip led by a volunteer or instructor, a daunting task for the organization that has 1,000 watercraft.

"It's very difficult to figure out from the information that's available on the (Transport Canada) website what exactly is required to come into compliance," said Janet Yale, CEO of Scouts Canada.

"I can tell you that it would be a huge hardship for an organization like ours, given how close the summer camping season is, to try and comply," Yale said.

via cbc.ca

What tha....

"The Transport Canada regulations, brought in last fall, will require everyone from professional outfitters to people leading recreational boat trips to fill out five separate forms, measure their boat and pay a $50 fee."

Read the story at CBC http://tinyurl.com/4szfeod

Posted via email from GuyThaLizard's LIVE blog (Posterous)

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