I was doing some research on Canada the other day and noticed that there are some internet postings that indicate that charts are required regardless of vessel size or usage. This would seem to be in error. I refer you to the Canadian Sailing Directions, Part A, Charts and Publications Regulations, Regulations Requiring Ships to Have on board, Maintain and Use Appropriate Charts, ... Part I, Ships in Canadian Waters and Fishing Zones. 3.(1) Ships Subject to subsection (2), this Part applies to all self-propelled ships, other than ships of war, in... (2) This Part does not apply to a ship that is less than 100 tons, gross tonnage, if the person in charge of the navigation of the ship (a) is informed of the location and character of the charted (i) shipping routes (ii) lights, buoys, and marks, and (iii) navigational hazards, and (b) has a general knowledge of the prevailing navigational conditions in the area in which the ship is to be navigated. I should have included this material in my book: Smuggling Your Boat Out of Jail, but it seems that I was aware of this exemption but overlooked including it. Notice that the exemption still requires that a ship(boat) under 100 gross have knowledge, but that strict compliance with the chart carriage regulations is not necessary. I don't suppose that this information will stop all debate, but at least you now have the details as written. Regards, Mike