Boat safety requirements

Getting ready to head out on the water this summer? Boat safety starts with having the right gear, proper documentation and a solid departure routine. In Canada, boat rules differ depending on your boat type and length, so being informed ahead of time can help keep your day stress-free and safe. Key takeaways:

• Carry Transport Canada-approved required equipment on board at all times.

• Keep your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), license/registration and boat insurance documents in an easily accessible waterproof bag on board.

• Use a pre-departure checklist every time you head out on your next adventure.

PCOC, License and registration

In Canada (except Nunavut and the Northwest Territories), anyone operating a motorized pleasure craft must carry proof of competency in the form of a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), according to Transport Canada.

A pleasure craft license is required for any vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower (7.5kW) or more, unless the boat has already been registered in the Canadian Register of Vessels. You must display your pleasure craft license (PCL) number on both sides of the bow, above the waterline in block letters. The characters must be at least 7.5 cm tall and printed in a contrasting colour. What to keep on board:

• Copies of your PCOC

• Proof of boat ownership

• License and registration

• Boat insurance – if carried

Failing to carry proof of competency or proper licensing may result in fines under Transport Canada regulations.

Required safety equipment by boat length and type in Canada

As we briefly mentioned, the mandatory safety equipment you require on your boat will vary based on length and type. For example, here is a closer look at the safety requirements needed for a small vessel:

Notes

Here's how you should maintain and stow your equipment:

• All equipment must be accessible, properly maintained and in good working order, as per Transport Canada.

• Keep equipment labelled and dry.

• Check personal floating devices (PFDs) or lifejackets, flares, bilge pumps, fire extinguishers and sound-signalling devices annually.

Personal floatation devices/life jackets: Selection, fit and use

Here's what you should know:

• A Canadian-approved lifejacket or personal floating device (PFD) is mandatory for each person on board.

• Children must have a properly sized, approved PFD.

• Foam or inflatable PFDs may be used if they meet approval requirements and are in good condition.

Fit test: The lifejacket should fit snugly around your torso so your chin and ears don’t slip through.

Guidelines: Children should wear properly sized PFD at all times. Consider wearing a lifejacket when alone, at night, in a smaller vessels, or during poor weather conditions.

Fire protection and fuel safety

Fire extinguishers are required on certain boats, depending on engine type, fuel systems and vessel length. Inspect extinguishers regularly to ensure gauges are within the operable range. Extinguishers should be mounted and easily accessible at all times. Take a look:

• Boats 26 feet to less than 40 feet may require two B-1 extinguishers or one B-2 extinguisher.

Fuelling checklist:

• Turn off your engine and electrical power.

• Keep all passengers off the vessel where possible.

• Avoid sparks and open flames.

• Perform a sniff test before restarting engines.

• Open hatches to ventilate the boat during fuelling.

• Carry absorbent pads for minor spills.

Visual and sound signals: Navigation lights

Here's what you should know regarding sound and visual signalling:

• Portable or fixed horns and whistles are used for sound signalling and attract attention in emergencies.

• Vessels over 39 feet must carry a bell for sound signalling in periods of restricted visibility, such as fog.

• Visual distress signals like flares must be accessible and within their expiry date.

• Navigation lights are required between sunset and sunrise or during periods of reduced visibility.

Pre-departure checklist

Before heading out:

• Check the weather and water conditions. Send a float plan to a trusted contact.

• Fuel your vessel using the “one-third-rule.”

• Top up your oil and coolant, if applicable.

• Ensure the drain plug is installed, the bilge is dry, the seacocks are checked, and your blower operates properly.

• Review gear: PFDs, throwable device, heaving line, bailer or pump, horn, flashlight, first-aid kit, anchor and rode, lines and fenders, tool kit, spare fuses.

• Communications: Carry a fully charged cell phone in a waterproof case, A VHF radio should be set to channel 16 on large lakes and coastal waters in case of an emergency.

• Final walk-around: Check hatches, the engine cut-off lanyard and fuel connections and allow the engine to warm up.

Trailering, ramp etiquette and launch safety

Before travelling by road:

• Check your tow setup: Ensure your hitch class and tow capacity match your trailer and vessel.

• Inspect tires and lights: Check the tire pressure, tread depth and all trailer lights.

• Secure your boat: Tighten the bow winch strap, cross safety chains and stow loose items.

At the boat launch ramp:

• Move quickly through the area and avoid blocking others.

• Launch straight into the water when clear.

Operating tips: Weather, wake and right-of-way

Information worth knowing:

• Check conditions: Read markers, buoys and charts. Monitor the weather forecasts continuously.

• Wake and speed: Respect no-wake zones, shorelines and wildlife. Reduce your speed near docks.

• Right-of-way: Sailboats generally have right-of-way over power-driven vessels, with specific exceptions under collision regulations.

• Storms and low visibility: Reduce your speed, turn on your navigation lights, wear PFDs and proceed to the nearest harbour when conditions allow.

Incidents and pleasure craft claims

Here's what to do in the case of an emergency:

• Safety first: Ensure everyone is wearing a lifejacket, conduct a head count and secure the vessel, if safe to do so.

• Contact emergency assistance using VHF channel 16 or cell phone). Provide your position and display an emergency distress signal as required.

• Document: Take photos and video, witness information and retain repair/replacement quotes.

• Call your broker: eReport the incident and start the claim process.

Contact BrokerLink

Smooth sailing starts with the right boat insurance coverage. Contact BrokerLink for a boat insurance quote or coverage review today.

Boat Safety Requirements FAQs

Can local police board your boat?

Yes, local police can board your boat to enforce the law. They can inspect your boat to ensure you are in compliance with boating laws and deliver fines if required. Check your provincial boating laws to ensure you are following the law.

What safety equipment is required on a boat?

Quite a few safety items are required on-board a boat. These items can help keep you safe and ensure an enjoyable time on the water. For motorized craft less than six meters in length, various safety equipment is required by law. For up-to-date requirements, please check with your local authorities. Safety equipment can include:

• A Canadian-approved and appropriately sized personal flotation device or lifejacket for each occupant.

• A buoyant heaving line 15+ meters in length.

• A method of removing water from the craft, such as a bailer or hand pump.

• Manual propelling device (such as a paddle) or an anchor with 15+ meters of reach.

• Sound-signaling device such as an emergency air horn.

• Navigation lights, for when the craft is used either at night or during periods of reduced visibility.

• A class 5BC fire extinguisher, for any craft equipped with an inboard motor, fixed fuel tank, or additional electronics.

• A waterproof flashlight or Canadian approved flares (types A, B or C).

What is the first thing you do in a boating accident?

The first thing you should do is ensure everyone involved is okay. Once you determine the severity of the accident, you can decide if you need to call for help. If you have boat insurance, gather all necessary information and contact your insurance broker when you are safely back on land.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.