“Pull the Plug”: B.C. government makes it illegal to travel with a watercraft that has its’ drain plug in
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Bluesky
-
Share on X
- Copy Link
BRITISH COLUMBIA—British Columbia’s chief veterinarian has issued an order making it illegal to transport watercraft in B.C. with the drain plug still in place. This is part of the Province’s escalated efforts to prevent invasive species from travelling between waterways.
“This order is part of our ongoing actions to contain and prevent further spread of whirling disease and keep invasive mussels out of B.C. waterways,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “Beginning May 17, 2024, boat operators in British Columbia are required to pull the plug before moving a boat or any equipment between water bodies.”
Before transporting your boat or other watercraft, the operator of the boat must remove the drain plug and drain all the water on dry land, including all internal compartments, such as ballasts, bilges and live wells.
In addition, boat operators, anglers and water enthusiasts should clean, drain and dry their watercraft, trailers and equipment-such as lifejackets- on dry land, away from storm water drains, ditches and waterways. All mud, sand and plant materials should be removed from boats before leaving the shore. You should also allow a minimum of 24 hours drying time for watercraft and/or equipment before entering new waters.
