Equipment
2.2 Life Jackets
Lifejackets & PFD's
To prevent drowning, persons on board pleasure craft should always wear lifejackets.
Lifejackets and PFDs must be an appropriate size for all people on board; adults and children. They must fit snugly, yet allow normal movement.
Life saving cushions are no longer permissible on board a lifejackets.
Life saving cushions are no longer permissible on board a lifejackets.
It is every operator's responsibility to ensure their guests know where the lifejackets are located and how to put them on.
Styles: Lifejackets and PFD's come in many styles. Operators must use an appropriate style for their activity.
Lifejackets are available only in orange, yellow and red. PFDs may be available in different colours.
To ensure you are purchasing a legal lifejacket look for the Department of Transport Canada or the Canadian Coast Guard/Fisheries and Oceans label on the jacket. That marking must remain on the lifejacket or it is no longer approved.
Standard Lifejacket
These are keyhole jackets that are reversible. They are available in orange, red or yellow and both adults' and children's sizes. These are an abandon ship jacket that will turn you face up. They are easy to put on, feature high buoyancy and turning ability but are bulky and uncomfortable.
Small Vessel Lifejacket
These come in keyhole jackets or vest style. They are reversible, orange, red or yellow, and are universal sizes for adults and children. They are abandon ship jackets and are for use in sheltered waters. They turn most people face up. Easy to put on, they have reduced buoyancy and turning ability. They are bulky and uncomfortable.
Mandatory Equipment
Sailboards
- One Canadian-approved personal flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board
- One buoyant heaving line of not less than 15m in length
- One manual propelling device
- A watertight flashlight or 3 Canadian-approved flares of Type A,B or C
- A sound signalling device or a sound signalling appliance
- Navigation lights that meet applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset, before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility.
Paddleboats & Watercycles - Under 6M in length
- One Canadian-approved personal flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board
- One buoyant heaving line of not less than 15m in length
- A watertight flashlight or 3 Canadian-approved flares of Type A,B or C
- A sound signalling device or a sound signalling appliance
- Navigation lights that meet applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset, before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility.
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