insurance

Question
Hi Ron

I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit about boat insurance,i live in scotland and not sure if it,s mandatory or up to the individual.
can you help
cheers
stevie

Answer
Stevie, thank you for presenting your question to me.

I reside in Canada. The federal gov't. has exclusive jurisdiction over Rules and Regulations relevant to recreational and commercial marine navigation within Canadian waters and its inland waterways, per the Canada Shipping Act, 2001(revised).

To date, there is no legislation requiring mandatory insurance for recreational first party hull & machinery coverage or protection for third party liability exposures, such as collisions with and injuries to others.

There are age & horsepower restrictions, and a speed restriction within 30 metres of shorelines, and any type of motor is prohibited on specified lakes.

In the not too distant future, there will likely be mandatory liability insurance coverage required on every recreational vessel that is licenced, registered and operated within Canadian waters.

Best you consult your federal government, then determine whether municipalities or regions may have a degree of jurisdiction in the area you intend to navigate. That's the best I can do for you Stevie. Hope this gives you some guidance to pursue.

Safe Sailing
Ron Blanchet