Boat Equipment Required in Canada

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Minimum Required Equipment for Boats in Canada
From the Canadian Coast Guard Small Vessel Regulations

Less than 5.5 metres in length (18.0')

1 approved PFD (or throwable life-saving device) for each person
Sound signalling device
1 hand-bailer or manual pump
1 Class B-I fire extinguisher if vessel has inboard motor or fixed fuel tank OR heating or cooking appliance that burns liquid or gas fuel.
Lights must comply with Collision Regulations if permanently fitted
2 oars with rowlocks or 2 paddles

5.5 - 8 metres in length (18.0'-26.2')

1 approved PFD for each person on board
Sound signalling device
1 hand-bailer or manual pump
1 Class B-I fire extinguisher if vessel is powered or has heating or cooking appliance that burns liquid or gas fuel.
Lights must comply with Collision Regulations if permanently fitted
1 approved lifesaving cushion or buoyant heaving line or life buoy 508, 610 or 762 mm diameter
6 approved distress flares: three A, B, or C type flares AND three A, B, C or D type flares [Except if vessel is engaged in racing and has no beds/bunks or operating in a river, canal or lake in which the boat can never be more than 1 nautical mile from shore, or boat is propelled by oars or paddles].
2 oars with rowlocks or 2 paddles or 1 anchor with 15 m (50') rode

8 - 12 metres in length (26.2'-39.4')

1 approved PFD for each person on board
1 anchor with 15 m (50') rode
1 hand-bailer AND 1 manual bilge pump
1 Class B-II fire extinguisher if vessel is powered or has heating or cooking appliance that burns liquid or gas fuel.
Lights must comply with Collision Regulations if permanently fitted
Sound signalling device must comply with Collision Regulations.
1 life buoy 610 or 762 mm diameter
15 metres (50') of buoyant line
12 approved distress flares: six A, B, or C type flares and six A, B, C or D type flares. These are valid only for 3 1/2 years from date of manufacture. There no exceptions for racing.

12 - 20 metres in length (39.4'-65.6')

1 approved PFD for each person on board
1 anchor with 15 m (50') rode
Efficient bilge pumping system
2 Class B-II fire extinguishers, one by entrance to sleeping cabin and one next to the engine space entrance. 1 Class B-II fire extinguisher if vessel is powered or has heating or cooking appliance that burns liquid or gas fuel.
2 buckets to extinguish fire
1 fire axe
Lights must comply with Collision Regulations if permanently fitted
Sound signalling device must comply with Collision Regulations
1 life buoy 762 mm diameter or 2 life buoys 610 mm diameter.
15 metres (50') of buoyant line
12 approved destress flares: six A, B, or C type flares AND six A, B, C or D type flares

All these regulations are for minimum equipment required on a vessel.

 For more information:
Office of Boating Safety 
 Canadian Coast Guard 
 (613) 998-1433 
or 1-800-267-6687

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