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Course Outline

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, or C flares (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)

*This equipment is not required if everyone on board is wearing an inherently buoyant lifejacket or PFD.
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