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:
- a personal flotation device that fits each occupant
- a 15-metre buoyant heaving line
- a manual propelling device (paddle) or an anchor with 15 metres of cable, rope or chain
- bailer or manual water pump with hose
- sound signaling device
- 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 Transport Canada 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.Inflatable PFDs are not valid unless you are wearing them while on your canoe.
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.
What is the best way to portage a canoe?
The canoe is usually carried on your shoulders. A piece of foam or a life jacket wrapped around the center bar will make things easier.A canoeing yoke can be purchased that fits your shoulders while carrying a canoe.
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