Master the rules, master the water.https://knotandhelm.com/en-CAhttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/canadian-boater-licence-accepted-in-us-watershttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/canadian-boater-licence-accepted-in-us-watersA Canadian boater licence (PCOC) is generally recognized in US waters, but each state decides. Here is what to carry and check before crossing.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/colregs-crossing-situation-rules-for-boatershttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/colregs-crossing-situation-rules-for-boatersWho gives way when two power boats cross in Canada: the starboard rule, stand-on duties, exceptions and mistakes to avoid, per the Collision Regulations.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/fire-extinguisher-requirements-for-pleasure-boats-canadahttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/fire-extinguisher-requirements-for-pleasure-boats-canadaCanadian fire extinguisher rules for boats: Class 5BC up to 6 m with an inboard engine or fuel appliance, plus certification, weight and upkeep.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-check-for-gelcoat-cracks-on-fiberglass-hullhttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-check-for-gelcoat-cracks-on-fiberglass-hullLearn how to check for gelcoat cracks on a fiberglass hull: stress cracks versus crazing, panting, impact damage, the wet-cloth test and when to stop.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-coil-a-dock-line-properlyhttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-coil-a-dock-line-properlyLearn how to coil a dock line properly: check the lay, coil clockwise for right-laid rope, remove kinks, dry the line and store it safely on board.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-dock-a-boat-in-crosswindshttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-dock-a-boat-in-crosswindsLearn how to dock a boat in crosswinds: read wind and current, approach at a steep angle, secure the bow line first and swing the stern in safely.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-drain-boat-plumbing-before-freezehttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-drain-boat-plumbing-before-freezeLearn how to drain boat plumbing before freeze: freshwater tank, faucets, water heater, heads and engine cooling, plus safe antifreeze and spring restart.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-flush-outboard-after-saltwater-usehttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-flush-outboard-after-saltwater-useLearn how to flush an outboard after saltwater use, with three fresh-water methods, a ten-minute flush, winterizing steps and common mistakes to avoid.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-inspect-standing-rigging-on-sailboathttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-inspect-standing-rigging-on-sailboatHow to inspect standing rigging on a sailboat: check swages, terminals, chainplates and pins, spot fatigue and corrosion, and know when to call a rigger.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-read-a-marine-forecast-on-the-lakehttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-read-a-marine-forecast-on-the-lakeLearn how to read a marine forecast on the lake in Canada: wind speed in knots, direction, significant wave height, warning levels and issue times.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-shrink-wrap-a-boat-for-winter-storagehttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-shrink-wrap-a-boat-for-winter-storageLearn how to shrink wrap a boat for winter storage in Canada: preparation, film thickness, a snow-shedding frame, safe heat-shrinking, vents and winter checks.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-read-nautical-charts-for-beginnershttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-read-nautical-charts-for-beginnersLearn to read a nautical chart step by step: title block, scale, depths, datum, symbols and practice, with Canadian Hydrographic Service guidance.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-set-an-anchor-in-sand-and-mudhttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-set-an-anchor-in-sand-and-mudLearn how to set an anchor in sand and mud: approach, scope by conditions, checking it holds, and anchor lights in Canada, per Transport Canada.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-tie-a-bowline-knot-for-mooringhttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-tie-a-bowline-knot-for-mooringLearn how to tie a bowline knot for mooring step by step, avoid the cowboy bowline error, and add a backup for a safe, secure boat tie-up in Canada.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-tie-a-cleat-hitch-properlyhttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-tie-a-cleat-hitch-properlyLearn how to tie a cleat hitch properly: check the cleat, figure-eight the horns, lock safely, release under load, and avoid the common mistakes.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-winterize-an-outboard-motor-at-homehttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-winterize-an-outboard-motor-at-homeHow to winterize an outboard motor at home in Canada: fuel, oil, cooling system, powerhead and storage, with safe disposal of old fuel and used oil.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-signal-distress-with-flares-on-the-waterhttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/how-to-signal-distress-with-flares-on-the-waterLearn how to signal distress with flares in Canada: flare counts by boat length, safe firing, expiry, disposal, and the electronic alternative.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/planning-a-multi-day-boat-trip-on-the-great-lakeshttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/planning-a-multi-day-boat-trip-on-the-great-lakesPlan a multi-day Great Lakes boat trip: Canadian proof of competency, required safety gear, forecast warnings, daily legs and CBSA border reporting.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/navigation-lights-required-for-boats-at-night-canadahttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/navigation-lights-required-for-boats-at-night-canadaNavigation lights are required from sunset to sunrise and in low visibility. Here are the official Canadian rules by boat length, propulsion and waters.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/pleasure-craft-operator-card-requirements-canadahttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/pleasure-craft-operator-card-requirements-canadaWho needs a Pleasure Craft Operator Card in Canada, how to get one, visitor rules and what to carry on board, per Transport Canada and federal law.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/reading-tide-tables-for-bay-of-fundyhttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/reading-tide-tables-for-bay-of-fundyLearn how to read Canadian tide tables for the Bay of Fundy: reference and secondary ports, interpolating heights, chart datum and slack-water currents.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/required-lifejackets-and-pfds-for-boats-in-canadahttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/required-lifejackets-and-pfds-for-boats-in-canadaFederal rules require a PFD or lifejacket on board for each person in Canada. Learn the wear exceptions, child and visitor rules, and fit checks.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/right-of-way-rules-for-sailboats-and-power-boatshttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/right-of-way-rules-for-sailboats-and-power-boatsWho gives way between sailboats and power boats in Canada under the Collision Regulations: crossings, overtaking, head-on meetings and narrow channels.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/sound-signalling-equipment-required-for-boats-canadahttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/sound-signalling-equipment-required-for-boats-canadaCanadian rules for boat sound-signalling equipment by length: devices under 12 m, appliances above 12 m, 0.5 nautical mile range and fog signals.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/replacing-a-lost-pleasure-craft-cardhttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/replacing-a-lost-pleasure-craft-cardLost your Pleasure Craft Operator Card? Learn how to get a replacement from an accredited course provider, what to do if it closed, and who needs proof.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/resealing-leaking-deck-hardware-on-boathttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/resealing-leaking-deck-hardware-on-boatLearn to find the leak source, pick a suitable sealant, remove old bedding safely, protect the core and rebed deck fittings correctly before winter.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/storing-a-boat-outdoors-over-canadian-winterhttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/storing-a-boat-outdoors-over-canadian-winterStore a boat outdoors over a Canadian winter: drain water, protect the engine, support the hull, ventilate the cover and check systems before spring.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/trent-severn-waterway-boat-trip-planninghttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/trent-severn-waterway-boat-trip-planningPlan a Trent-Severn Waterway boat trip with Parks Canada depths, lock hours, bridge clearances, licence and safety equipment rules, and speed limits.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/what-to-do-if-someone-falls-overboard-canadahttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/what-to-do-if-someone-falls-overboard-canadaLearn what to do if someone falls overboard: raise the alarm, throw flotation, stop the boat, keep the person in sight, and call the Canadian Coast Guard.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/what-to-do-if-boat-takes-on-waterhttps://knotandhelm.com/ca/articles/what-to-do-if-boat-takes-on-waterIf your boat takes on water, sound the alarm, start the pumps, find the leak, slow the flow, and call for help on VHF channel 16 or by Coast Guard phone.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT