Personal Watercraft (PWC) Safety Equipment Requirements

One sound-signaling device

One watertight flashlight 

or

Three pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than one of which is a smoke signal

One magnetic compass

Note: A magnetic compass is not required if the pleasure craft is 8 m (26’3”) or less and is operated within sight of seamarks (navigation marks).

Navigation lights

That meet the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations, if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset, before sunrise, or in periods of restricted visibility (fog, falling snow, etc.).

If one person on board a personal watercraft is not wearing a lifejacket or a PFD of an appropriate size, you must add the following equipment:

One approved Personal Flotation Device

of appropriate size for each person on board

Note: A personal flotation device or lifejacket kept on board a human-powered pleasure craft, operated in whitewater must be inherently buoyant.

One buoyant heaving line

at least 15m (49’3”) long

One reboarding device

Note: A reboarding device is only required if reboarding means climbing a vertical height of more than 0.5 m (1’8”) from the water.

A manual propelling device

or

An anchor

and at least 15 m (49’3”) of cable, rope or chain in any combination

One bailer or manual bilge pump or bilge-pumping equipment 

Note: A bailer or manual bilge pump is not required for a pleasure craft that will not hold enough water to make it capsize, or a pleasure craft that has watertight compartments that are sealed and not readily accessible.

One radar reflector 

is required under certain conditions.

A fire extinguisher (5 BC)