OSBUG Rules and Regulations

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Oarlock and Sail Boat Users Group (OSBUG)

Mandatory Rules:

  1. The governing body of the Oarlock and Sail Boat Users Group shall be the Board of Directors of the Oarlock and Sail Wooden Boat Club.
  2. All OSBUG members must possess and carry with them while using OSBUG boats, a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card attesting that the holder is competent to operate a pleasure craft as indicated in the “Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act”.
  3. No OSBUG boat shall proceed to sea unless legally required safety equipment is aboard. For the rowboats and sailboats of the OSBUG fleet operating in daylight hours, this consists of one approved PFD or lifejacket for each person aboard, one buoyant heaving line of not less than 15 m (50 feet) length, one bailer or manual bilge pump, and a sound-signalling device (whistle or horn).
  4. All OSBUG boats putting to sea must be under command of a registered member of the Oarlock and Sail Boat Users Group. Before setting out, the person in command shall inspect the boat for any obvious damage or defect(s), shall ensure that the required safety equipment is aboard, and shall be satisfied that the vessel is seaworthy.
  5. All persons aboard OSBUG boats must wear an approved personal floatation device (PFD) or lifejacket at all times.
  6. Prior to embarking, a trip plan shall be filed in the book provided. Trip plans shall include name of boat being used, persons aboard, departure time, boating area, and expected time of return. Upon return, participants shall sign in with actual return time.
  7. Before putting out to sea, OSBUG members shall assess weather and tidal current conditions and shall exercise seamanlike discretion. If in doubt, ask an experienced member.
  8. No OSBUG boat shall put to sea if fog is present or expected to form in the near future.
  9. All OSBUG boats shall return to the Heritage Harbour docks not later than one-half hour before sunset, except on fireworks nights. On fireworks nights no OSBUG boat shall remain at sea past the hour of 3:00 PM.
  10. Upon returning to the dock, boats shall be properly secured or stowed, and equipment shall be stored in the boat shed.

 

Optional Recommendations:

  1. If available, it is recommended that a cell phone or hand-held VHF radio be carried aboard. In case of emergency, Canadian Coast Guard can be contacted on VHF channel 16, or by phone through 911. For general enquiries, call the Kitsilano base at 604-666-1840.
  2. Although some PFD’s are generally available in the boat shed, it is strongly recommended that OSBUG participants purchase their own personal floatation devices or lifejackets. If you purchase your own PFD, you will be sure of a good fit. Properly fitting floatation gear is essential for both safety and comfort.