Safety Equipment Requirements

• Introduction
• Who needs to comply?
• Safety equipment requirements
• Detailed information on specific equipment (PFDs, flares, etc.)

Safe, responsible operation is a key ingredient for enjoyable boating. The right safety equipment provides peace of mind and if something goes wrong, it may save a life. There may be additional items you will want to take depending on your vessel, type of activities and environment. Go prepared. Make sure your equipment is easily accessible and can be operated by everyone on board.

Remember, ensuring that all equipment is in good working order isn't just common sense, it's the law.

Some people are surprised to discover that safety equipment requirements apply to all pleasure craft

Examples of pleasure craft:

• Powerboats
• Personal watercraft (PWC)
• Canoes and kayaks
• Sailboats or sailboards
• Airboats
• Hovercraft  (Air cushion vehicles, ACV)

These minimum safety equipment requirements do not apply to beach and pool toys that measure less than 2 m in length that are not designed to be fitted with a motor. Note that operating an outboard motor-driven surfboard in any Canadian waters is strictly prohibited.

If you are renting a boat and will be operating it for recreational purposes, these carriage requirements also apply to you.

If you are using your vessel for commercial purposes or are carrying passengers for remuneration you should consult Transport Canada - Marine Safety to check which regulations apply.

The Small Vessel Regulations set out the minimum safety equipment required on board a recreational boat according to vessel length. In some examples, the minimum safety equipment is displayed for vessel type to assist the reader. In the case of any discrepancy between the information on this page and the Small Vessel Regulations, the regulatory text shall remain the final authority.

To determine the length of your vessel, refer to your manufacturer's product information or measure it yourself - from the forward end of the foremost outside surface of the hull shell to the after end of the aftermost outside surface of the hull shell.

• Sailboards
• Paddleboats and watercycles under 6 M in length
• Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and rowing shells not over 6 M in length
• Unpowered pleasure craft not over 6M in length
• Personal Watercraft
• Powered pleasure craft not over 6 M in length
• Pleasure craft over 6M in length but not over 8 M in length including unpowered craft
• Pleasure craft over 8M in length but not over 12 M in length including unpowered craft
• Pleasure craft over 12M in length but not over 20 M in length including unpowered craft
• Specific requirements for boats involved in competition

• Personal flotation devices and lifejackets
• Buoyant heaving lines, lifebuoys, lifting harnesses, reboarding devices, manual propelling devices, bailers (and manual water pumps) and fire extinguishers
• Flashlights and flares
• Navigation lights, radar reflectors and sound signaling devices and appliances
• Other suggested items to take along