It is unlawful to knowingly pollute the water, and all necessary steps should be taken to avoid polluting. Any kind of spill or release of oil into the water may have serious long-term effects on the environment.

Do not pollute the water with things like oil; fuel; anti-freeze; transmission fluids; garbage, hydrocarbons; and untreated sewage in inland waters.

Oil and other chemicals must be kept on board in a receptacle until they can be properly disposed of. If oil or other contaminants are discharged, this must be reported to the Coast Guard or government authorities as soon as possible.

Responsibility To Report

Under the regulations, if boaters accidentally pollute; witness; or see the results of pollution that may have occurred, (i.e. oil or fuel spills) they must report it immediately.

If possible, take note of the type (i.e. oil, fuel) location; and approximate amount of the pollutant in the water. Report the above to a Government of Canada official such as a CCG/MCTS center by VHF Marine Radio Channel 16 or cellular phone using * 16 where available.