Requirements for Personal Watercraft

Here are the equipment requirements for personal watercraft (PWCs).

Personal Lifesaving Appliances

• One lifejacket or PFD for each person on board*
• One buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres (49ʹ3ʺ) long
• One reboarding device if the freeboard distance is over 0.5 metres (1ʹ8ʺ)

Vessel Safety Equipment

• One manual propelling device or one anchor with at least 15 metres (49ʹ3ʺ) of cable, rope, or chain
• One bailer or manual bilge pump

Fire-Fighting Equipment

One 5B:C fire extinguisher

Visual Signals

One watertight flashlight or three type A, B, C, or D flares (no more than two type D)*; flares not required if the PWC meets one of the exemptions listed in the Small Vessel Regulations, Part 2, #213–Visual Signals

Navigation Equipment

• One sound-signalling device or appliance*
• Navigation lights if the PWC is operated between sunset and sunrise or during periods of restricted visibility*
• One magnetic compass*; not required if the PWC:
• Is 8 metres (26ʹ3ʺ) or less in length and…
• Is operated within sight of navigation marks.
• One radar reflector unless the pleasure craft meets one of the exemptions listed in the Collision Regulations, Schedule 1, Rule 40 (Radar Reflectors)