boating safety equipment ontario
Required safety equipment for each vessel size.
What safety equipment do I need for my boat in Ontario?
As a boat operator, you are responsible for the safety of everyone on board your vessel. This includes ensuring that your boat is equipped with the right safety gear and that you and your passengers know how to use them.
In Ontario, there are specific safety requirements that every boat must meet, depending on its size and type. In this article, we’ll discuss the safety equipment that is legally required you need to have on board your boat or PWC when operating in Ontario waters.
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Ontario Boating Safety Equipment
The safety equipment required on a pleasure craft can vary based on the size and type of vessel. Here is a breakdown of the equipment requirements for each category of vessel according to Transport Canada.
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
For all Personal Watercraft the following safety equipment are required:
- Each person on board must have an approved lifejacket or PFD
- A buoyant heaving line of at least 15 meters is required
- If the freeboard distance exceeds 0.5 meters, a reboarding device must be on board
- A manual propelling device or an anchor with at least 15 meters of rope, cable, or chain
- A bailer or manual bilge pump
- A 5BC fire extinguisher
- One waterproof flashlight or three type A, B, C or D flares (only one can be Type D)
- A sound-signalling device
- Navigation lights if operating between sunset and sunrise or in restricted visibility conditions
- A magnetic compass, unless the PWC is 8 meters or shorter and operated within sight of navigation marks.
- A radar reflector, unless the PWC is exempt from the Collision Regulations, Schedule 1, Rule 40 (Radar Reflectors)
Note: If everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket or PFD of the appropriate size you are only required to carry:
- A sound signalling device;
- A watertight flashlight or three type A, B, C or D flares (only one can be Type D)
- Navigation lights if operating between sunset and sunrise or in restricted visibility conditions
- A magnetic compass, unless the PWC is 8 meters or shorter and operated within sight of navigation marks.
Vessels 6m and Under In Length
For all motorized and sailing vessels no longer than 6 m, according to Transport Canada, the following safety equipment are required:
- A lifejacket or PFD approved for use in Canada for each person on board
- A buoyant heaving line that’s at least 15 m long
- A manual propelling device like a paddle or anchor with at least 15 m of rope, cable or chain in any combination
- A bailer or manual bilge pump for removing water from the boat
- A sound-signaling device or applicance
- A waterproof flashlight or three type A, B, C or D flares (only one can be Type D)
- Navigation lights for use during hours of darkness or reduced visibility
- A fire extinguisher for a vessels with an inboard motor, fixed fuel tank, or fuel-burning appliance
- A reboarding device like a ladder if the boat rises more than 0.5 m out of the water
- A magnetic compass for boats over 8 m long or out of sight of navigation markers
Vessels over 6m and up to9 m
For vessels between 6 and 9 m long, all of the equipment listed above is required, plus:
- A waterproof flashlight and six flares of type A, B, C or D flares (only two can be Type D)
Vessels over 9m and up to 12m
For vessels between 9 and 12 m long, all of the equipment listed above is required, along with:
- A lifebuoy attached to a buoyant line at least 15 m long
- A waterproof flashlight and twelve flares of type A, B, C or D flares (only six can be Type D)
- An anchor with at least 30 m of rope, cable, or chain
Vessels over 12m and up to 24m
For vessels between 12 and 24 m long, all of the equipment listed above is required, as well as:
- An anchor with at least 50 m of rope, cable, or chain in any combination
- Bilge-pumping arrangements instead of a bailer or hand pump
- Two sound-signalling devices for boats over 20 m
- A 10BC fire extinguisher at each entrance to spaces containing fuel-burning appliances, accommodation spaces, and the machinery space
- An axe
- Two buckets with a minimum capacity of 10 L each
Vessels over 24m
For vessels 24 m and longer, all of the equipment listed above is required, as well as:
- A buoyant heaving line at least 30 m long
- Two SOLAS lifebuoys, one attached to a buoyant heaving line at least 30 m long and one equipped with a self-igniting light
- A lifting harness with appropriate rigging
- A fire pump outside the machinery space with a hose and nozzle
- Two axes
- Four buckets with a minimum capacity of 10 L each
Exceptions to Equipment Requirements
There are further exceptions to the required equipment for specific vessel types. Additional information on the following exceptions can be found in Section 2 Subparts 3, 4, and 5 of the Canadian Small Vessel Regulations.
Additional Safety Equipment
In addition to the required boating safety equipment above, there are additional items Transport Canada recommends you have onboard:
- A basic tool kit and spare parts for the motor
- A first-aid kit
- Warm, dry clothing for sudden weather changes in a waterproof bag
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats for sun protection
- Snacks and drinking water
- A knife
- Waterproof matches or a lighter
Be Safe, Get Your Ontario Boating License
f you’re looking to hit the waters in Ontario, make sure you have your boating license. MyBoatCard.com® makes getting your boating license easy and stress-free.
Our online boating safety course is designed to teach you all the important rules and regulations of boating in Ontario. By taking our course, you’ll have the confidence to safely operate your boat and make the most out of your time on the water. If you have already taken the course and are looking to refresh your memory – why not try our free Ontario boating license practice exam.
Not only does a boating license keep you safe, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing you’re following the laws. When it comes to boating, safety should always be a top priority.
Make sure you have all the necessary equipment on board and a valid boating license (PCOC). myboatcard.com has everything you need to make your boating experience in Ontario safe and enjoyable.
So what are you waiting for? Get certified today and get out on the water!
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