Hovercraft Ontario

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?

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 to check which regulations apply.

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. However the minimum equipment should only be referred to as a guide and a prudent boater will add to the list depending on the type of boating being done and where they are boating.

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. If you plan to be out for more than a few hours, although not required by law, there are a number of items that you should take with you:

• spare clothing in a watertight bag (weather can change dramatically in just a few hours and not having the proper clothing for the conditions can lead to conditions that can be serious threats to your health, such as heatstroke and hypothermia;

• drinking water and high-energy snacks (water is the most important element here as lack of it can lead to fatigue and dehydration in a fairly short time).

TIP: Would you recognize the signs and symptoms of hypothermia, heat exhaustion, an allergic reaction to insect venom or food items? Do you know how to stem bleeding, perform rescue breathing, and treat shock? – If you answered no to any of these questions, take a first aid course as soon as possible. Knowing how to provide this immediate, temporary assistance can make the difference between permanent injury and full recovery, or even life and death. Know before you go!

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