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100-BZU-01-IGDO ©2025, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
(WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
Working Near and On Water
Non-Motorized Watercraft Safety Information Guide
What Does Non-Motorized Watercraft Work Look Like?
Many facilities and employers such as camps, resorts, yacht clubs, marinas, tourist attractions, and
environmental agencies have non-motorized watercraft including small wind-powered watercraft such
as sailing dinghies, Lasers, windsurfers, and catamarans, human-powered watercraft such as canoes,
kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, and pedal-powered paddleboats, as well as inflatable
watercraft such as rafts.
Job tasks exposing workers to the hazards of non-motorized watercraft often include leading
recreational activities, leading instructional programs, leading tours, performing sampling and
environmental survey activities, and performing maintenance.
Who is at Risk?
• Boating Staff – Boating Instructors, Boat Excursion Guides, Watersports Instructors
• Recreation Staff – Counsellors, Group Leaders, Leaders-In-Training
• Staff from any department using work watercraft during free time / time off
• Patrons – Campers, Club Members, Guests
• Maintenance Staff
Transport Canada: Pleasure Craft vs. Non-Pleasure Vessels
Many legal requirements for boating are established by Transport Canada. Before determining staff
competency and equipment requirements, employers must determine whether watercraft – including
vessels without motors and human-powered vessels – are considered "pleasure craft" or "non-
pleasure vessel" for the purposes of Transport Canada regulations. The determinations are based on
tasks and activities, not vessel type. Even small non-motorized vessels mentioned above may be
commercial in nature all or part of the time.
Transport Canada: Non-Pleasure Vessel or Pleasure Craft?
Common Non-Motorized Watercraft Hazards
Operating non-motorized watercraft in the course of employment pose significant risks of injury to
staff. Common hazards from non-motorized watercraft include:
