Re: [Paddlewise] Canadian Coast Guard Regulations]

Hank wrote;

>Could you imagine the legal problems if someone who was certified died?
He
>was certified as competent -- sue the ba***rds!  Dunno if a cerfificate of
>completion would produce the same effect, but there would still be
>questions.

I doubt if anyone could sue anyone. Getting a certificate only says you got
the certificate. It doesn't say you are smart.

Dave wrote;

>(SNIP about US)
>FWIW, places I have paddled on the coast of BC had essentially NO
>Canadian CG presence -- no patrols, and nobody at launch points to
>enforce PFD requirements (etc.).  Is it plausible Canadian citizens will
>agree to increase funding of the CCG to allow enforcement?  I wonder

Enforcement doesn't have to be comprehensive. If you are the only one to
get caught and your boat and equipment are confiscated you will be mildly
upset. One should not confuse effective enforcement with the effect of
selective enforcement.

Rich wrote;

>Yes, it's of interest -- it's also pretty brain-damaged when read
>from the viewpoint of a whitewater paddler.  Someone might want
>to tell these idiots that none of the boats which raced in the
>Canadian National Slalom Team Trials came even close to meeting
>these specifications.

I don't think the concern is over racing in organised races. There have
always been exemptions for that. I have yet to see a sprint racer wearing a
life jacket or even having the minimum safety gear. There is an interesting
dynamic here. When it was suggested that one need not wear a life jacket
all the time it was violently opposed. Now when the government (Canadian)
suggests you should have mandatory safety instruction it is opposed. Is
this consistent?

Chuck wrote;

>A former BWCAW ranger whom I know says don't mess with the Canadian
>rangers; they will confiscate your equipment on the spot if you don't
>have enough cash to pay the fine. You're not protected by the U.S.
>constitution when you are in Canada -- do you want the hassle of going
>to court in another country to recover your property?

How true and it is remarkable how many Americans think they are exempt from
Canadian law just because they are Americans. I have a good friend in the
OPP who told me about an American who was caught speeding and threatened to
call his Congressman. I also get stamped return envelopes from Americans
with US postage affixed. Just because there is no wall doesn't mean Canada
is not a separate country with its own laws and own priorities.











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