ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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(MIDLAND, ON) - Members of the OPP Marine Patrol attached to the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted 32 hours of patrol on the waters of Georgian Bay within the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene and the Townships of Tiny, Tay and Georgian Bay over the weekend of June 4 - June 7, 2020.
OPP Marine Unit officers aboard their patrol vessels stopped and checked 64 vessels for proper vessel equipment and driver sobriety resulting in one liquor seizure. Officers administered two Roadside Screening Device (RSD) tests resulting in one operator having his driver's licence suspended for three days.
One vessel operator was charged with Careless Operation for a vessel-related collision infraction and another was charged in a non-collision incident. Two operators were charged in relation to Life Jacket violations and five operators were charged with speeding in a Posted Channel.
Officers remind operators to check their paperwork before heading out from the dock as two operators were charged for failing to have an original copy of their Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC) and three operators were charged with Failing to have a Copy of their Vessel Registration.
Three operators were charged with offences relating to having the proper safety equipment on board and another for failing to have a spotter while towing a person behind. 47 other minor infraction warnings under the Small Vessel Regulations Act were given out by the officers as they conducted their vessel checks.
The Marine Unit also visited eight area marina's and made themselves available for marine educational questions from marina patrons during their patrol time. Officers also made time to check several vehicles pulling trailers with vessels on their way to the marina. These checks resulted in a driver being charged with Insecure Vessel on Trailer and No Plates under the Highway Traffic Act.
Young vessel operators and passengers who were observed wearing their Life Jacket continue to be rewarded by officers with the popular "I Got Caught Wearing My Life Jacket" T-Shirt program - see attached submitted photographs.
Boaters should also check the following websites and comply with any restrictions before planning to go ashore on your favourite island in Georgian Bay.
- Beausoleil First Nations Lands http://www.chimnissing.ca/
- Georgian Bay Islands National Park https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/georg
- Georgian Bay Township https://www.gbtownship.ca/en/index.aspx
Officers crewing the OPP patrol vessel's remind all vessel operators that they are checking for vessel equipment and for liquor offences which they are vigorously enforcing in an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities on our area waterways this summer. For more information on safe vessel operation and equipment please view the following web site - https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm and the attached MADD Canada poster
Police remind operators that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our waterways. Educating the public about safe vessel operating practices is a priority.
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