(TOWNSHIP OF GEORGIAN BLUFFS, ON) – On Sunday, July 5, 2015, at approximately 7:52 a.m., Grey County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Marine Unit stopped a vessel on Georgian Bay to check the safety equipment on board. The operator failed to produce a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) and he failed to have a working flashlight on board.
The vessel was escorted back to shore. The operator, Mark Andrew DEVRIES, 24, of Georgian Bluffs, was charged with operating a vessel with safety equipment not in good working order under the Canada Shipping Act (CSA).
Grey County OPP remind boaters that since 2010, all operators are required to hold a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). All boaters are encouraged to take a Transport Canada approved course to obtain the boat license. There is no special license required for boating in Ontario so, as long as you hold a valid PCOC, you can enjoy the beautiful waterways with extra safety and peace of mind.