Safety equipment required based on the size of your boat Marine Safety Equipment requirements - Transport Canada
In this section you will find the marine safety equipment that each type of boat must carry on board to comply with Transport Canada regulations regarding boating.
- Personal Watercraft (PWC)
- Sail and Power Boats up to 6 m (19'8")
- Sail and Power Boats over 6 m and up to 9 m (19'8''- 29'6'')
- Sail and Power Boats over 9 m and up to 12 m (29'6"- 39'4")
- Sail and Power boats over 12 m and up to 24 m (39'4"- 78'9")
- Sail and Power Boats over 24 m (78'9")
-
Human-powered pleasure craft (canoes, kayaks, rowboats and rowing shells
-
Paddleboards, paddleboats, watercycles, sealed-hull and sit-on-top kayaks

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Boating Safety Equipment
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).
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.
at least 15m (49’3”) long
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.
or
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.
Powerboats and Sailboats up to 6 m (19'8") Boating Safety Equipment
One Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or Lifejacket
of appropriate size for each person on board
at least than 15 m (49’3”) long
Note: Only required if the vertical height that must be climbed to reboard the pleasure craft from the water is over 0.5 m (1’8”).
If the boat is equipped with a motor:
or
Three pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than one of which is a smoke signal
Note: Flares are not required for a pleasure craft that:
-
Is operating on a river, canal or lake in which it can never be more than one (1) nautical mile (1.852 km) from shore; or
-
Has no sleeping quarters and is engaged in an official competition or in final preparation for an official competition.
or
and at least 15 m (49’3”) of cable, rope or chain in any combination
A bailer or a manual water pump
Note: A bailer or manual bilge pump is not required for a pleasure craft that cannot hold enough water to make it capsize or a pleasure craft that has watertight compartments that are sealed and not readily accessible.
A sound-signaling appliance or a sound-signaling device
that meets the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
meet the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
Note:
-
Navigation lights are only required if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset, before sunrise, or in periods of restricted visibility (fog, falling snow, etc.).
-
Sailing vessels less than 7 m in length can meet this requirement with a watertight flashlight.
Note: A magnetic compass is not required if the pleasure craft is 8 m (26’3”) or less and is operated within sight of sea marks (navigation marks).
if the pleasure craft is equipped with an inboard engine, a fixed fuel tank of any size, or a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigeration appliance
is required under certain conditions
Powerboats and Sailboats over 6 m and up to 9 m (19'8''- 29'6'') Boating Safety Equipment
One Personal Flotation Device or Lifejacket
of appropriate size for each person on board
at least than 15 m (49’3”) long
or
One lifebuoy
attached to a buoyant line at least 15 m (49’3”) long
Note: A reboarding device is only required if the vertical height that must be climbed to reboard the pleasure craft from the water is over 0.5 m (1’8”).
Six pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than two of which are smoke signals
or
At least three pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than one of which is a smoke signal,
if there is also a means of two way electronic communications on board (i.e., cell phones, satellite phones, VHF, 406 MHz personal locater beacons, or EPIRB).
Note: Flares are not required for a pleasure craft that:
- Is operating on a river, canal or lake in which it can never be more than one (1) nautical mile (1.852 km) from shore; or
- Has no sleeping quarters and is engaged in an official competition or in final preparation for an official competition.
or
One anchor
and at least 15 m (49’3”) of cable, rope or chain in any combination
One bailer or one manual bilge pump
Note: A bailer or manual water pump is not required for a pleasure craft that cannot hold enough water to make it capsize or a pleasure craft that has watertight compartments that are sealed and not readily accessible.
One sound-signalling device or appliance
that meets the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
that meets the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
Note:
- Navigation lights are only required if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset, before sunrise, or in periods of restricted visibility (fog, falling snow, etc.).
- Sailing vessels less than 7 m in length can meet this requirement with a watertight flashlight
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 sea marks (navigation marks).
if the pleasure craft is equipped with a motor
and
One 5BC fire extinguisher
if the pleasure craft is equipped with a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigeration appliance
One radar reflector
is required under certain conditions
Powerboats and Sailboats over 9 m and up to 12 m (29'6"- 39'4") Boating Safety Equipment
One Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or Lifejacket
of appropriate size for each person on board
at least than 15 m (49’3”) long
One lifebuoy
attached to a buoyant line at least 15 m (49’3”) long
Note: A reboarding device is only required if the vertical height that must be climbed to reboard the pleasure craft from the water is over 0.5 m (1’8”).
Twelve pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than six of which are smoke signals.
or
At least six pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than three of which are smoke signals,
if there is also a means of two way electronic communications on board (i.e., cell phones, satellite phones, VHF, 406 MHz personal locater beacons, or EPIRB).
Note: Flares are not required for a pleasure craft that:
-
Is operating on a river, canal or lake in which it can never be more than one (1) nautical mile (1.852 km) from shore; or
-
Has no sleeping quarters and is engaged in an official competition or in final preparation for an official competition.
One anchor
and at least 30 m (98’5”) of cable, rope or chain in any combination
One manual bilge pump or bilge-pumping arrangements
Note: A bailer or manual bilge pump is not required for a pleasure craft that cannot hold enough water to make it capsize or a pleasure craft that has watertight compartments that are sealed and not readily accessible.
One sound-signalling appliance or a sound-signalling device
that meets the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
that meet the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
One magnetic compass
One 10BC fire extinguisher
if the pleasure craft is equipped with motor
and
One 10BC fire extinguisher
if the pleasure craft is equipped with a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigeration appliance
One radar reflector
is required under certain conditions.
Powerboats and Sailboats over 12 m and up to 24 m (39'4"- 78'9") Boating Safety Equipment
One personal flotation device or lifejacket
of appropriate size for each person on board
at least than 15 m (49’3”) long
One lifebuoy
equipped with a self-igniting light or attached to a buoyant line at least 15 m (49’3”) long
Note: A reboarding device is only required if the vertical height that must be climbed to reboard the pleasure craft from the water is over 0.5 m (1’8”).
Twelve pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than six of which are smoke signals.
or
At least six pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than three of which are smoke signals,
if there is also a means of two way electronic communications on board (i.e., cell phones, satellite phones, VHF, 406 MHz personal locater beacons, or EPIRB).
Note: Flares are not required for a pleasure craft that:
-
Is operating on a river, canal or lake in which it can never be more than one (1) nautical mile (1.852 km) from shore; or
-
Has no sleeping quarters and is engaged in an official competition or in final preparation for an official competition.
One anchor
and at least 50 m (164’1”) of cable, rope or chain in any combination
Bilge-pumping arrangements
that meets the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
Note: Pleasure craft over 20 m (65’7”) in length require a whistle (horn), and a fitted bell.
that meet the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
that meets the requirements of the Navigation Safety Regulations
-
See Part 2 of the Regulations if your pleasure craft was built before July 1, 2002, or
-
See Part 3 of the Regulations if your pleasure craft was built on or after July 1, 2002
One 10BC fire extinguisher at all of the following locations:
-
at each access to any space where a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance is fitted;
-
at the entrance to any accommodation space; and
-
at the entrance to the machinery space.
One axe
Two buckets
Note: Transport Canada recommends that each bucket have a capacity of at least 10 litres.
One radar reflector
is required under certain conditions.
Powerboats and Sailboats over 24 m (78'9") Boating Safety Equipment
One personal flotation device or lifejacket
of appropriate size for each person on board
at least than 30 m (98’5”) long
Two SOLAS lifebuoy, of which:
-
one is attached to a buoyant line at least 30 m (98 ’5”) long; and
-
one is equipped with a self-igniting light
Lifting harness with appropriate rigging
Note: A reboarding device is only required if the vertical height that must be climbed to reboard the pleasure craft from the water is over 0.5 m (1’8”).
Twelve pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than six of which are smoke signals.
or
At least six pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than three of which are smoke signals,
if there is also a means of two way electronic communications on board (i.e., cell phones, satellite phones, VHF, 406 MHz personal locater beacons, or EPIRB).
Note: Flares are not required for a pleasure craft that:
-
Is operating on a river, canal or lake in which it can never be more than one (1) nautical mile (1.852 km) from shore; or
-
Has no sleeping quarters and is engaged in an official competition or in final preparation for an official competition.
One anchor
and at least 50 m (164’1”) of cable, rope or chain in any combination
Bilge-pumping arrangements
that meets the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
Note: Pleasure craft over 20 m (65’7”) in length require a whistle (horn), and a fitted bell.
that meet the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
One magnetic compass
that meets the requirements set out in the Navigation Safety Regulations
-
See Part 2 of the Regulations if your pleasure craft was built before July 1, 2002, or
-
See Part 3 of the Regulations if your pleasure craft was built on or after July 1, 2002
One 10BC fire extinguisher at all of the following locations:
-
at each access to any space where a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance is fitted;
-
at the entrance to any accommodation space; and
-
at the entrance to the machinery space.
One power-driven fire pump
located outside the machinery space, with one fire hose and nozzle that can direct water into any part of the boat
Two axes
Four buckets
Note: Transport Canada recommends that each bucket have a capacity of at least 10 litres.
One radar reflector
is required under certain conditions
Canoes, Kayaks, Rowboats and Rowing shells Boating Safety 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.
at least 15m (49’3”) long
Note: A reboarding device is only required if the vertical height that must be climbed to reboard the pleasure craft from the water is over 0.5 m (1’8”).
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 sound-signalling appliance or sound-signalling device
that meets the applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations
for human-powered pleasure craft that meet the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
Note:
-
Navigation lights are only required if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset, before sunrise, or in periods of restricted visibility (fog, falling snow, etc.).
-
For a human-powered vessel, this requirement can be met with a watertight flashlight.
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).
One radar reflector
is required under certain conditions
If the human-powered pleasure craft is more than 6 m long, you must add:
Six pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than two of which are smoke signals
OR
At least three pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than one of which is a smoke signal,
if there is also a means of two way electronic communications on board (i.e., cell phones, satellite phones, VHF, 406 MHz personal locater beacons, or EPIRB).
Note: Flares are not required for a pleasure craft that:
-
is operating on a river, canal or lake in which it can never be more than one (1) nautical mile (1.852 km) from shore; or
-
has no sleeping quarters and is engaged in an official competition, or in final preparation for an official competition.
Paddleboards, paddleboats, watercycles, Sealed-hull and sit-on-top kayaks Boating Safety Equipment
If everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket or a PFD of appropriate size, only the following equipment is required on board:
One (1) sound-signaling device or appliance,
One (1) watertight flashlight,
(only required if the boat is operated after sunset, before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility (fog, falling snow, etc).
If someone on board is not wearing a lifejacket or a PFD of 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
Note: A reboarding device is only required if the vertical height that must be climbed to reboard the pleasure craft from the water is over 0.5 m (1’8”).
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 sound-signaling appliance or sound-signaling device that meets the applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations
Navigation lights for human-powered pleasure craft that meet the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
Note:
-
Navigation lights are only required if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset, before sunrise, or in periods of restricted visibility (fog, falling snow, etc.).
-
For a human-powered vessel, this requirement can be met with a watertight flashlight.
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).
One radar reflector is required under certain conditions
If the human-powered pleasure craft is more than 6 m long, you must add:
Six pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than two of which are smoke signals
OR
At least three pyrotechnic distress signals, not more than one of which is a smoke signal, if there is also a means of two way electronic communications on board (i.e., cell phones, satellite phones, VHF, 406 MHz personal locater beacons, or EPIRB).
Note: Flares are not required for a pleasure craft that:
-
is operating on a river, canal or lake in which it can never be more than one (1) nautical mile (1.852 km) from shore; or
-
has no sleeping quarters and is engaged in an official competition, or in final preparation for an official competition.
Sailboards and Kiteboards Boating Safety Equipment
If the operator of a sailboard or kiteboard is wearing a lifejacket or PFD of appropriate size, only the following equipment is required on board:
If the paddleboat, watercycle or kayak is operated after sunset, before sunrise, or in periods of restricted visibility (fog, falling snow, etc.).
If the operator of a sailboard or kiteboard is not wearing a lifejacket or PFD of appropriate size, the following equipment is required on board:
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
Note: A reboarding device is only required if the vertical height that must be climbed to reboard the pleasure craft from the water is over 0.5 m (1’8”).
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 sound-signalling appliance or sound-signalling device that meets the applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations
Navigation lights for human-powered pleasure craft that meet the requirements set out in the Collision Regulations
Note:
-
Navigation lights are only required if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset, before sunrise, or in periods of restricted visibility (fog, falling snow, etc.).
-
For a human-powered vessel, this requirement can be met with a watertight flashlight.
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).
One radar reflector is required under certain conditions
Now that you have an idea of the different types required on a boat, come discover with us, all the other aspects of boating with our online boating safety course and obtain your Canadian boating license.
These rules apply to: Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Northwest Territories.