|

Newly Formed CMRA Takes a Stand on Mandatory PFDs

Oct 22, 2024

By Mathew Channer

The Canadian Marine Retailers Association (CMRA) may still be in its first year of operations, but it’s wasting no time in representing its members on critical issues like proposed changes to legislation on PFDs.

Working closely with the NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association), the CMRA is working to raise awareness among Canadian boaters about Transport Canada’s proposed mandatory PFD legislation, which would enforce blanket use of PFDs on every size of vessel across Canada.

Citing a biased survey and a lack of organized data on the different vessel types and sizes involved in marine incidents, CMRA President and Boating Ontario CEO Rick Layzell has criticized Transport Canada’s approach to the issue of mandatory wear of PFDs.

“We are completely against the way that Transport Canada has published that survey. It almost forces a respondent to acknowledge and accept mandatory wear on the waterway, which is not what it was intended to be,” he said.

The CMRA is calling for a three-year national survey to gather accurate data on the size and types of vessels involved in safety incidents before PFD legislation for power-driven and sailing vessels is created.

The CMRA agrees with mandatory PFD use on human-powered vessels, personal watercraft, while being towed on water toys, and for children under 12.

“Canoes and kayaks are where people die,” Layzell said. “The problem is 14-footers and down. But there are those who want to put everything from a tinny to an 80-foot yacht all in one group.”

Through a new website, BoatingUnited.ca, the CMRA has distributed information on the Transport Canada survey to its 800+ members, along with a petition to the Government on its proposed national survey.

Layzell says that any solution the Government puts forward should be done in cooperation with Canada’s boating industry and Canadian boaters.

“We all have a role to play in reducing deaths on the water,” he said. “Together we have to find our way to address these problems. And that has to be done through fact-based data. Once you have data, then let’s make a decision.”

About CMRA:

As the voice of all aspects of retail in Canada’s recreational marine industry, CMRA members represent over 800 member companies across the country. CMRA was formed to create a cohesive and constructive national voice for advocacy issues on behalf of the recreational boating sector.

Related Posts





BC Ferries: Queen of Surrey out of Commission until Jan 28th amid Proposed BC Ferries Expansion

NMEA

By Mathew Channer

BC Ferries vessel Queen of Surrey is expected to remain out of commission until the end of the month, according to BC Ferries.

The vessel, which has been in service for more than 40 years, was pulled from the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale service on January 1st to undergo repairs to its propulsion system.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Kropf Industrial Delivers First All-Electric Travel Lift

Kropf Industrial, manufacturer of the industry-leading Conolift line of boat handling equipment, is excited to announce that its first all-electric travel lift is now in service in Ontario. The advanced design has eliminated both the diesel power unit and the hydraulic system, yielding a simplified machine that is quiet, and free from emissions and the risk of spills.

Read More



Mercury Marine enhances Joystick Piloting capabilities, laying the groundwork for an exciting future in effortless autonomous boating

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

Mercury Marine®, a division of Brunswick Corporation has announced a software update for its SmartCraft®operating system that gives Joystick Piloting powerful new capabilities. The system can now automatically counteract the effects of wind, waves and current while a boater is driving with the joystick, giving them the ability to dock and maneuver with effortless precision.

Read More