What safety gear do I need on my boat in Canada?
The equipment you're legally required to carry depends on your boat's length, under the federal Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91). Here's the required kit by size. Hullmark builds the exact list for your boat and tracks what you carry — free.
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Pleasure craft up to 6 m (about 20 ft)
- One Canadian-approved PFD or lifejacket per person, correct size
- Buoyant heaving line at least 15 m long
- Bailer or manual bilge pump
- Paddle, or an anchor with 15 m of cable/rope/chain
- Sound-signalling device (whistle or horn)
- Watertight flashlight, or 3 pyrotechnic distress signals
- Navigation lights if operating after dark or in reduced visibility
- Magnetic compass if out of sight of seamarks
- 5B:C fire extinguisher if the boat has an engine, fuel or fuel-burning appliance
Authority: Small Vessel Regulations s.204–207
Pleasure craft over 6 m up to 9 m (about 20–30 ft)
- One approved PFD or lifejacket per person
- Buoyant heaving line (15 m) or a lifebuoy with 15 m line
- Watertight flashlight
- 6 pyrotechnic distress signals (max 2 smoke) — flares expire 4 years from manufacture
- Anchor with 30 m of rode
- Manual bilge pump
- Sound-signalling device and navigation lights
- Magnetic compass
- Fire extinguishers for the engine space and any cooking/heating appliance
Authority: Small Vessel Regulations s.204–207
Larger vessels (9–12 m and above) require additional equipment such as a SOLAS lifebuoy, a longer heaving line and more flares. Hullmark generates the complete, current list for your exact length and type.
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Guidance only, reviewed against the Small Vessel Regulations as of June 2026 — always verify against the current regulations and Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide. Hullmark is a free boat-management app by 3D3D Canada.