MyBoatCard.com® | Official Canadian Boating License

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Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Ontario, Canada. K1A 0N8
Accredited Logo
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Ontario, Canada. K1A 0N8

Engine Noise Levels

All boat operators are responsible for their boat’s noise.

To prevent excessive or unusual noise, no person shall operate a power-driven vessel other than a stock (unmodified) outboard engine, within five nautical miles (9.26 km) of shore unless it is equipped with a muffler system that is in good working order.


This restriction does not apply if the boat:

  • Was built or constructed before 1960;
  • Is used in a formal race or training exercise;
  • Directs the exhaust gases under water through the propeller hub or below the cavitation plate;
  • Is propelled by gas turbines or by an aircraft-type propeller operating in air; or
  • Is operated at five or more nautical miles (9.26 km) from shore.
REMEMBER: Most powerboats require a muffler in good working order and it must be used within five (5) nautical miles offshore.

Study Guide