Bringing the right gear can save your life in an emergency. Along with your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), you are required by law to carry the following marine safety equipment.
REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT
all vessels require
☐ Lifejacket or PFD for each person on board
☐ Sound-signalling device or appliance
☐ Buoyant heaving line at least 15 m (49’3”) long
☐ Paddle or propulsion device
Distress equipment
☐ Canadian Approved Flares (Type A, B, C) OR
☐ Watertight flashlight
If boating in the dark or fog
☐ Navigation lights
If your boat can take on water
☐ Bailer or manual bilge pump
If it is higher than 0.5 m to climb into your boat
☐ Re-boarding device
If boat is over 6 m long
☐Class 5 fire extinguisher
you could receive a $200-$500 fine for each non-compliance.
TRIP PLAN
Always make a plan and leave it with a responsible person, letting them know where you are going, when to expect you back, and what your boat looks like. If no one knows you are gone, no one will be looking for you.
CHECK THE WEATHER
Check the forecast and keep an 'eye on the sky', watching for weather changes.