Boating Safety Course Online
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