Vessel Requirements

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Sarnia is located in Ontario, Canada on the border with the United States and across the Bluewater Bridge from Port Huron, Michigan. Members of Sarnia Power and Sail Squadron boat out of the communities of Brights Grove, Camlachie, Corunna, Forest, Grand Bend, Mooretown, Petrolia, Point Edward, Port Franks, Sarnia, Wyoming, Strathroy and much of Lambton County. Whether powerboat, sailboat, personal watercraft, jet boat or paddler, Sarnia Squadron Members are often found boating on Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake St. Clair as well as the Detroit River and St. Clair River. Others cruise to the North Channel, Georgian Bay, the Trent-Severn Waterway and Lake Ontario. Local marine facilities to Sarnia include: Bridgeview Yachting Centre, Sarnia Bay Marina, Sarnia Yacht Club and Lake Huron Yachts.

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Do You Have Your Required Safety Equipment?

Safety Equipment Requirements

Introduction
Who needs to comply?
Safety equipment requirements
Detailed information on specific equipment (PFDs, flares, etc.)

Introduction

Safe, responsible operation is a key ingredient for enjoyable boating. The right safety equipment provides peace of mind and if something goes wrong, it may save a life. There may be additional items you will want to take depending on your vessel, type of activities and environment. Go prepared. Make sure your equipment is easily accessible and can be operated by everyone on board.

Remember, ensuring that all equipment is in good working order isn't just common sense, it's the law.

Who needs to comply?

Some people are surprised to discover that safety equipment requirements apply to all pleasure craft

Examples of pleasure craft:

Powerboats
Personal watercraft (PWC)
Canoes and kayaks
Sailboats or sailboards
Airboats
Hovercraft (Air cushion vehicles, ACV)

These minimum safety equipment requirements do not apply to beach and pool toys that measure less than 2 m in length that are not designed to be fitted with a motor. Note that operating an outboard motor-driven surfboard in any Canadian waters is strictly prohibited.

If you are renting a boat and will be operating it for recreational purposes, these carriage requirements also apply to you.

If you are using your vessel for commercial purposes or are carrying passengers for remuneration you should consult Transport Canada - Marine Safety to check which regulations apply.

Safety Equipment Requirements

The Small Vessel Regulations set out the minimum safety equipment required on board a recreational boat according to vessel length. In some examples, the minimum safety equipment is displayed for vessel type to assist the reader. In the case of any discrepancy between the information on this page and the Small Vessel Regulations, the regulatory text shall remain the final authority.

To determine the length of your vessel, refer to your manufacturer's product information or measure it yourself - from the forward end of the foremost outside surface of the hull shell to the after end of the aftermost outside surface of the hull shell.