Stand Up Paddle Boards

Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements

Transport Canada, classifies Stand Up Paddleboards as human powered vessels when they are being used for navigation. When being used within the surf zone for surfing activities these requirements are not in force. When undertaking a trip or circuit
such as a group crossing or solo outing, this is considered navigation.

As human powered vessels, Stand Up Paddleboards are subject to all carriage requirements, including lifejackets. There must be one Canadian approved lifejacket or personal floatation device available on board and available for immediate use. There
are many PFD options available for ease of use, such as waist-pack inflatables (a popular choice among competitive rowers, who are also short on space and require a broad range of movement) or low profile paddling vests.

Transport Canada does not recognize the leash/paddleboard combination as a floatation device.

Transport Canada supports leash use, but not as an alternative to a lifejacket or personal floatation device.

PERSONAL LIFESAVING APPLIANCES
One (1) lifejacket or PFD for each person on board.
One (1) reboarding device

(See Note 1)
One (1) buoyant heaving line at least 15 m (49’3″) long.
VISUAL SIGNALS
If boat is over 6m
One (1) watertight flashlight

OR

Six (6) flares of type A, B or C

(See Note 2)
VESSEL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
One (1) bailer

OR

One (1) manual bilge pump

(See Note 3)

OR

Bilge-pumping arrangements
NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT
One (1) sound-signalling device or appliance
Navigation lights

(See Note 4)
One (1) magnetic compass

(See Note 5)
One (1) radar reflector

(See Note 6)
FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
None

NAVIGATION LIGHT AND SHAPE REQUIREMENTS

OPTION 1

An electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light (a watertight flashlight is acceptable) ready to use far enough in advance to prevent a collision

Note:
Boats under 7m are not required to show prescribed lights and marks, except in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate.

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