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Equipment

What safety equipment is required on a canoe?

A non-motorized pleasure craft up to 6 metres (including a canoe) is required to have

• 1. a personal flotation device that fits each occupant
• 2. a 15-metre buoyant heaving line
• 3. a manual propelling device (paddle) or an anchor with 15 metres of cable, rope or chain
• 4. bailer or manual water pump with hose
• 5. sound signaling device
• 6. navigation lights if raveling after dark (waterproof flashlight

Is there an approved lifejacket/PFD suitable for canoeing?

Check the labels of your PFDs for "Canadian Tested & Approved" label. If it does not have the Department of Transport label, it does not meet Canadian Safety Requirements. There is now a wider choice of lifejackets, including Canadian Approved Inflatable PFDs, and those in a variety of colours - be sure to consider visibility in the water. To be effective, a PFD must fit and be in good condition.

Are there fines for not having proper safety equipment on my canoe?

Yes. There is a provincial or territorial ticketing scheme. This provides for a $200 fine for having an insufficient number of lifejackets/PFDs.