October 20, 2026 By John Gullick I am starting with a couple of questions that I have received regarding flag etiquette. Can I fly a blue ensign flag on my recreational vessel? The Blue Ensign was a Canadian Navy flag that was flown before the new Canadian flag was introduced. Ensigns were designated for official…
October 6, 2026 By John Gullick I am receiving many questions about how the regulations regarding the legal use of cannabis will affect boating, so I have taken the liberty to quote the following information received from Transport Canada: Since October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) has legalized, regulated and restricted access to cannabis. This Act is a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution,…
September 29, 2026 By John Gullick An accident that occurs with surprising frequency to passengers and crew is falling. The chance of this happening can be greatly reduced if precautions are taken, such as wearing non-skid shoes that lace up and wearing appropriate clothing that does not impede movement. Those on board should make sure they have a sound footing and a good handhold at all times. Here is an old…
September 22, 2026 David Foulkes to retire from Brunswick as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at the end of 2026; Aine Denari appointed as Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2027; Lead Independent Director, David Everitt will become Non-Executive Chairman METTAWA, Ill. Sept. 21, 2026 – Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), the global leader in marine manufacturing and…
– Sponsored Content – September 22, 2026 Situational awareness remains one of the more persistent challenges facing boat operators, whether monitoring traffic in a crowded channel, tracking a vessel on a collision course at night, or simply keeping tabs on conditions around the boat while attention is split between the helm and other tasks. As…
September 22, 2026 By John Gullick Much of Canada’s boating season carries on well into the fall and starts again in early spring, but water temperatures in the off-season can be dangerous and there will be fewer other boaters out on the water to assist if you get into trouble. This makes having the right…
September 15, 2026 By John Gullick “Boom, up she went.” This was a quote from a real-life incident where an East Coast boater was left with severe burns to much of his body that nearly resulted in his death. It all started on what was supposed to be a great day on the water but quickly ended with an explosion that…
September 11, 2026 On Friday, September 11, 2026 NMMA Canada issued the following notice to their members regarding the Canada-US trade measures: Following the latest escalation in Canada-U.S. trade measures, we want to make members aware of federal programs that may provide support to Canadian businesses affected by tariffs and broader trade disruption. Beginning September 15,…
September 8, 2026 By John Gullick Recently I received a very interesting account from a boater who is a long-standing senior member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. He says: “I came across an article describing a sailboat fire on the U.S. West coast which resulted in an air evac. and total loss of the vessel. It seems the crew attempted to suppress the fire with extinguishers but…
October 13, 2026 By John Gullick Boating in the fall in Canada can be a truly breathtaking experience, with stunning foliage and quieter waterways. However, this season also brings unique challenges and considerations. Here’s a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts to ensure a safe and enjoyable fall boating experience in Canada. And don’t forget to…
– Sponsored Content – September 1, 2026 The Canadian boating market is evolving—and the strategies that worked only a few years ago may no longer be enough. Economic uncertainty, higher financing costs, changing consumer expectations and pressure on dealer inventories have transformed the way Canadian boat dealers must prepare for the next season. Customers are…
– Sponsored Content – August 25, 2026 The market is changing. Dealers’ needs are evolving. Marine SCA is evolving too. The Canadian marine industry is currently going through a challenging period. Economic uncertainty, decisions and tariffs imposed by our neighbours to the south, interest rates, and several other factors have contributed to a slower market….
August 25, 2026 By John Gullick Transport Canada, under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act has introduced some boat ownership responsibilities as follows: Boat owners are now responsible for the “end of life” management of their vessel(s). Boat owners are prohibited • From leaving their vessel adrift for more than 48 hours. • From intentionally causing their vessel to become…
August 18, 2026 By John Gullick Questions about the need to carry distress flares, what types to use and when to use them are among the most asked when I am conducting a Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check. Let’s start with when you need to carry flares. Pleasure craft greater than 6 meters (19.8 ft) in length and up to 12 meters (…
August 11, 2026 By John Gullick Unless a boat is secured, it will drift away. If it cannot be attached to something secure, such as a dock, piling, mooring buoy, tree, or boulder, it must be anchored. There is much more to anchoring than simply tossing the anchor over the side. An anchoring system has two parts: the…
August 11, 2026 – Sponsored Content – Thousands of vessels disappear each year from marinas, driveways, and storage lots. In fact, 73 percent of boats are stolen directly from trailers, driveways, and storage areas, not just from marinas. And if a boat is recovered, owners may find the motor, electronics, and other high-value components already…
August 4, 2026 By John Gullick Boating together with the kids as a family can be a most enjoyable activity. Because people, especially kids, have unique personalities it is important to take the suggestions that I am going to make and adapt them to meet your needs. Every trip, whether it is a day trip or even an overnight trip,…
August 4, 2026 – Sponsored Content – EOLO & AS Marine: Italy’s Rising Stars in Modern Recreational Boating Bringing Italian Excellence to the Canadian Market As EOLO and AS Marine continue their international expansion, Canada has become an increasingly important market for recreational boating. With thousands of lakes, extensive coastlines, and a growing community of…
July 28, 2026 By John Gullick Unfortunately, we too often hear about boating accidents that occur at night. Many of these incidents take place after groups of boaters have gathered together to enjoy something like an evening lakeside concert, or a fireworks display. Often, these events start during evening daylight hours and finish up well after dark. Boaters and their friends and families…
July 21, 2026 By John Gullick Boating is a fundamentally safe activity but follow these simple do’s and don’ts to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience in Canada. Do’s1. Check the Weather Forecast RegularlyStay Informed: The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature, wind, and precipitation. Monitor Conditions: Use reliable weather apps and marine forecasts before and during your…