[Paddlewise] Canadian Requirements for Small Craft

The Canadian requirements are simple, and make pretty good sense.  

One needs a PFD, paddle, bailer or pump, noise maker (whistle OK) and 50
feet of floating line.  At night, one needs lighting as per the
international regulations, which means a big flashlight for most
paddle-powered craft.  If the boat is over 6 meters, then a flashlight
is required, and flares too. 

A throwbag as such is not required, the requirement is only for 50 ft of
floating line, but the throwbag is a very convenient way to carry it.
You may not be able to throw it 50 feet, but it could still come in
handy.  

What I really like about these regs is that they are quite sensible
about alternatives and the practicalities of small boat operation.  For
instance, small sailboats that can be propelled by waggling the rudder
do not need to carry a paddle, and bailers/pumps are not required if the
boat has sealed watertight compartments, or cannot hold enough water to
sink/capsize (like SOT's).  Flares are not required in boats that don't
have sleeping accomodation and are engaged in racing, so dragon boats
don't need to carry them. Sailboards don't have to carry anything, as
long as the operator is wearing a PFD; if you don't, then you have to
carry all sorts of stuff, including a PFD (hint:  Wear your PFD!).
There are similar rules for PWC's that encourage PFD usage.  One is also
supposed to carry a radar reflector, but the loopholes around it are
such that in practice, it is not required:  don't bother if the boat is
operated in the day, in light traffic, and good weather, or is too small
for the reflector to be effective.    

Full details:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/tp/tp511/equipment.htm#minimum_safety_e
quipment_requirements


Rob MacDonald 


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