If you operate a pleasure craft between 6 and 9 metres (19’8” – 29’6”) in Canada, Transport Canada requires you to carry specific safety equipment onboard. Failing to meet these regulations can lead to fines and unsafe conditions in an emergency.
This guide lists the minimum equipment required for 6m–9m boats, plus a few recommended extras for safer boating in BC and across Canada.
Shop Marine Safety Equipment before your next trip.
Who this applies to
This covers pleasure craft over 6 m and up to 9 m in length (not human-powered). Typical examples include larger fishing boats, cabin cruisers, and small sailboats with auxiliary engines.
Transport Canada Required Equipment (6 m – 9 m)
Personal lifesaving equipment
- One Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD for each person on board
- One buoyant heaving line at least 15 m (49’3”) long OR one lifebuoy attached to a buoyant line at least 15 m long
- A reboarding device (if freeboard is over 0.5 m)
Browse: Life Jackets & PFDs.
Vessel safety equipment
- One manual propelling device OR one anchor with at least 15 m of cable, rope, or chain
- One bailer or manual bilge pump (not required for sealed/watertight boats that can’t hold enough water to capsize)
Visual signals
- One watertight flashlight
- Six pyrotechnic distress signals (other than smoke signals)
Navigation equipment
- One sound-signalling device or appliance (whistle, horn, etc.)
- Navigation lights if operating after dark or in restricted visibility
- Magnetic compass (not required if operated within sight of seamarks)
- Radar reflector (required on non-metallic boats unless impractical)
Fire fighting equipment
- One 5BC fire extinguisher if equipped with a motor
- One 5BC fire extinguisher if equipped with a fuel-burning cooking, heating, or refrigeration appliance
Recommended extras for boats 6–9 m
Although the list above covers the legal minimums, carrying extra gear increases safety and preparedness:
- Additional flares and signaling devices
- First aid kit and emergency rations
- VHF marine radio (especially important for coastal BC waters)
- Backup anchor and more line for stronger currents
- Dry bag with spare clothes and waterproof flashlight
See our full Marine Safety Equipment collection.
Why compliance matters
Transport Canada’s equipment rules exist to keep boaters safe. Regular checks by RCMP and Coast Guard mean you must have the correct gear readily available and in working order. More importantly, this equipment can save lives in an emergency.
Prepare your 6–9 m boat for safe boating
Boats in this size range often carry families or fishing crews, so being well equipped is essential. Make sure your vessel has all the required safety items before hitting the water.
Note: This summary is based on Transport Canada requirements for pleasure craft 6–9 m. Always verify the most up-to-date regulations before operating.
