Mandatory Safety Equipment

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During each outing, examine the condition of your equipment and ensure that you have all the required safety equipment on board. The minimum requirements are based upon the craft’s length. For a motorized craft no greater than 6 metres (19 feet 8 inches) in length, the following equipment is required:

  • An appropriately sized, Canadian-approved personal flotation device ( PFD ) or lifejacket, for each person on board;
     
  • A buoyant heaving line (15 metres in length);
     
  • Manual propelling device or anchor with at least 15 metres of rope, cable or chain;
     
  • Bailer or hand pump;
     
  • Sound-signalling device;
     
  • Navigation lights if the craft is used between sunset and sunrise or during periods of reduced visibility, i.e. mist and rain;
     
  • A class 5BC fire extinguisher for any craft equipped with an inboard motor, fixed fuel tank, and/or any fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigeration units;
     
  • A waterproof flashlight or 3 Canadianapproved flares (type A, B or C flares);
     
  •  A vessel license if your craft is outfitted, even temporarily, with any motor of 10 hp (7.5 kW ) or more. Ensure your vessel is properly marked and you carry a copy of the vessel license.

The two last items are not mandatory if your craft is not equipped with a motor (canoe, kayak, etc. ).

Did You Know?

All requirements apply to you even if you are just renting or borrowing a craft, regardless of its size. The responsibility for possessing required equipment is shared equally by the lessor and lessee. Remember that the equipment must be in good working order, easily accessible and useable by everyone on board.

Tip

Apart from the required equipment, certain items could be extremely useful in order for you to have a pleasant time on the water. If your trip is for several hours, you should have with you:

  • spare clothing in a waterproof bag (weather can change without notice, and it’s best to be prepared);
  • drinking water and snacks;
  • tools and spare parts (fuses, spark plugs, etc. );
  • a first aid kit.

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