Marine Safety Equipment Checklist for Canadian Boaters

Every trip on the water carries some risk. Weather changes fast, engines fail and people fall overboard. The right gear can turn an emergency into a close call.

This guide explains the marine safety equipment Canadian boaters must carry. It also covers the extra gear that keeps you and your crew safer.

Steveston Marine has helped Canadian boaters stay safe since 1941. We stock a full range of marine safety equipment in Canada, from lifejackets to beacons.

Quick Answer: Most powered boats in Canada must carry a Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD for each person, a buoyant heaving line, a bailer or manual pump, a sound-signalling device, and navigation lights when used at night. Larger boats need more, such as flares, a fire extinguisher, a compass and an anchor.

Who Sets the Safety Rules in Canada?

Transport Canada sets the rules for boat safety gear. They are part of the Small Vessel Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

The gear you need depends on two things:

•             Your boat type: power, sail, paddle or personal watercraft.

•             Your boat length: rules change as boats get bigger.

Police and marine enforcement officers can check your boat. Missing gear can lead to fines. More importantly, it can cost lives.

Safety Equipment for Powered Boats Up to 6 m (19’8”)

This covers most small aluminum boats, runabouts and centre consoles.

Personal lifesaving gear:

•             One Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD for each person on board.

•             One buoyant heaving line at least 15 m (49’3”) long.

•             A reboarding device, such as a ladder, if it is more than 0.5 m (1’8”) to climb back aboard.

Boat safety gear:

•             A manual propelling device, such as a paddle, or an anchor with at least 15 m of line.

•             A bailer or manual bilge pump.

Navigation and signals:

•             A sound-signalling device, such as a whistle or horn.

•             Navigation lights if you boat after dark or in poor visibility.

Some boats may also need flares or a fire extinguisher, depending on where and how they operate.

Safety Equipment for Powered Boats 6 m to 9 m (19’8” to 29’6”)

This covers larger fishing boats, cabin cruisers and small sailboats with engines.

Everything in the 6 m list, plus:

•             A watertight flashlight.

•             Pyrotechnic distress signals (flares).

•             A magnetic compass, unless you stay within sight of navigation marks.

•             A radar reflector on most non-metal boats.

•             A 5BC fire extinguisher if the boat has an engine.

•             A second 5BC fire extinguisher if it has a fuel-burning stove, heater or fridge.

You can meet the heaving line rule with a lifebuoy attached to a 15 m buoyant line instead.

Larger Boats Need More Gear

Boats over 9 m must carry even more. This can include more flares, bigger fire extinguishers, buckets, an axe and a longer anchor line.

If you own a larger boat, check the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide for your exact size.

Lifejackets and PFDs: Your Most Important Gear

Most boating deaths involve people who were not wearing a lifejacket. Having one on board is the law. Wearing it is what saves you.

Choose the right type:

•             Inflatable PFDs: Light and comfortable, so people actually wear them.

•             Foam lifejackets: Always float, with no inflation needed.

•             Kids’ lifejackets: Must fit the child’s weight. Look for a crotch strap.

•             Flotation jackets and suits: Good for cold BC waters.

All lifejackets must be Canadian-approved and fit well. Shop our inflatable PFDs and lifejackets for adults and kids.

Health check tip: Inspect inflatable PFDs before each season. Check the cylinder, the trigger and the service date.

Heaving Lines and Throwables

If someone falls overboard, you need to reach them fast. A heaving line or throw bag lets you pull them back to the boat.

Keep it where anyone on board can grab it in seconds. Our throw bags and safety kits make it easy to meet the rules in one purchase.

Flares and Distress Signals

Flares help rescuers find you, day or night. The number and type you need depend on your boat size and where you boat.

•             Check the expiry date. Flares are good for four years from the date of making.

•             Store them in a dry, easy-to-reach spot.

•             Dispose of old flares safely. Never throw them in the garbage.

Some small boats that stay close to shore on lakes or rivers may not need flares. Check the rules for your waters.

Fire Extinguishers

Fuel, engines and cooking gear all create fire risk on a boat. A marine-rated extinguisher lets you act fast.

•             Mount it where you can reach it quickly.

•             Check the gauge every month.

•             Replace or service it as the label directs.

Recommended Safety Gear Beyond the Minimum

The legal list is a starting point. These extras give you much more protection:

•             VHF radio: The best way to call for help on the water.

•             EPIRB or PLB: Sends your position to rescue services by satellite.

•             First aid kit: Stocked for cuts, burns and seasickness.

•             Extra flares: More than the minimum, in case the first ones fail.

•             Dry bag with warm layers: Cold water is a real risk in Canada.

For offshore or remote trips, consider EPIRB and PLB devices. They can be the difference between a fast rescue and a long wait.

Other Legal Requirements to Know

Safety gear is only part of the rules. Before you head out, also make sure:

•             Operators have proof of competency. Most people need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to run a powered boat.

•             Your boat is licensed or registered, if required for its size and engine.

•             You carry the right paperwork on board.

Your Pre-Trip Safety Check

Think of this as a quick health check before every trip:

1.          Count the lifejackets. One for each person, in the right sizes.

2.          Check the heaving line is on board and untangled.

3.          Test the horn or whistle.

4.          Check flare expiry dates.

5.          Look at the fire extinguisher gauge.

6.          Test navigation lights if you may be out after dark.

7.          Check the weather and tell someone your trip plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What safety equipment is required on a boat in Canada?

It depends on your boat’s type and length. Most powered boats need lifejackets, a heaving line, a bailer, a sound signal and navigation lights at night.

Do I need flares on a small boat?

Often yes. But some small boats that stay within one nautical mile of shore on a river, canal or lake may be exempt.

How long do marine flares last?

Flares are good for four years from the date they were made. Replace them before they expire.

Do lifejackets have to be Canadian-approved?

Yes. Lifejackets and PFDs must be approved for use in Canada and fit the person wearing them.

Is a VHF radio required on a pleasure boat?

Not always, but it is strongly recommended. It is the most reliable way to call for help on the water.

Where can I check the latest boat safety rules?

Check the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide. It lists the full rules for each boat type and size.

Get Your Boat Safety-Ready with Steveston Marine

Safety gear protects the people you care about most. Check it often, replace it on time, and carry more than the minimum.

Steveston Marine has helped Canadian boaters since 1941. Find safety gear and thousands of boat parts in Canada, with free shipping on orders over $120 (some exceptions apply).

Do your safety check today. Every trip should end safely at the dock.