June 16, 2026

Every year, thousands of boaters go out on the water without the proper safety equipment that is required by law. This equipment can be of great benefit and comfort and can mean the difference between a great day out on the water and a potential disaster. 
 
Required items vary depending on boat length but here is a list of things that you should ensure are on board, in good working condition and within reach each time you go out: 
 
Compulsory Items required on a typical vessel 6 meters or less in length:  

              • The vessels Pleasure Craft License or registration documentation if powered by a motor of 7.5 kw (10 hp) or more 

              • A Canadian approved flotation device (PFD) in good repair and of appropriate size for every person on board 

              • Fire extinguisher (depending on type of engine, gas tank or cooking appliances on board) 

              • Watertight flashlight or pyrotechnic distress signal requirements (flares) 

              • Sound signaling device 

              • Buoyant heaving line (minimum 15 meters in length) 

              • Paddle or anchor with at least 15 meters of rode and /or chain 

              • Re-boarding device 

              • Bailer or manual water pump 

              • Navigation lights 

Other items to check: 

              • Secure batteries 

              • Passive ventilation that allows air to flow through below decks 

              • Exhaust fan or bilge blower that removes dangerous vapours 

              • Flame arrester and heat shielding for inboard engines 

              • Up-to-date charts 

              • Magnetic compass 

              • Radar reflector 
All operators of any type of powered vessel must also have proof of operator competency like a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). 

Consider requesting a Recreational Vessel Courtesy Check. This is a totally voluntary service and is conducted without penalty if a deficiency is found. You will simply be advised of the requirement and a re-inspection will be offered when you have added these items. 

CanBoat is currently a non-governmental national source for this program. They will inspect vessels that are in or out of the water. They can tell you what is required and give you specific information about each item, what items are best for your vessel and boating conditions and even how to properly use certain items or what additional training might be available. 
Volunteers can also talk to you about PFDs, Sail Plans, Alcoholic Beverage Consumption while on board, Sewage Disposal and Pre-Departure Check Lists. 

For a free courtesy check contact your local CanBoat Branch. 

In addition to ensuring that your boat has all the necessary safety equipment on board, be sure to check the weather forecast and to pass on your itinerary to a responsible person along with who to contact should you not return as scheduled. 

Be sure to go through these steps BEFORE your leave – Be Prepared! Whether you use a power boat, sailboat, personal watercraft, canoe, kayak or fishing boat, find more information on a variety of boating safety tips by visiting www.SmartBoater.ca and choose your vessel type(s). 

By John Gullick, currently CanBoat’s Manager of Government and Special Programs and has been an active recreational marine specialist and writer for over 50 years. 

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