Small Vessels
From Transport Canada
The Special Purpose Vessel Audit Checklist is a self-inspection tool to help ensure the safety of commercial river rafting trips.
Commercial river rafting
Commercial river rafting is a boating activity that uses inflatable vessels. Guides take groups of paying passengers on river trips that may include "white-water" rafting. The Special-purpose Vessels Regulations address the specific safety concerns related to this type of boating.
Special Purpose Vessel Audit Checklist
The Special Purpose Audit Checklist is based on the Special-purpose Vessels Regulations.
Special Purpose Audit Checklist
(PDF, 186 KB)
The checklist was developed to allow commercial boating operators to review all aspects of boating safety covered in the regulations. The inspection includes:
- ensuring sufficient quantities of required personal safety equipment (including lifejackets, white water vests, helmets, and thermal protection)
- reviewing the cache of vessel safety/repair items (including raft repair kit, engine repair kit, and spare oars)
- ensuring that the safety briefing provided to passengers (informing them of potential hazards, safety procedures, and rescue plan) is adequate
- reviewing the qualifications and certifications of the guide(s)