Operating a pleasure craft between 9 and 12 metres (29’6” – 39’4”) in Canada comes with a more extensive list of safety requirements. Transport Canada mandates this gear to ensure larger vessels and their crews are prepared for emergencies.
This guide lists the legal minimum equipment for 9–12 m boats, along with recommended extras to improve onboard safety for coastal and inland waters.
Shop Marine Safety Equipment before you head out.
Who this applies to
This applies to pleasure craft over 9 m and up to 12 m, including larger sailboats, motor yachts, and cabin cruisers. At this size, more robust anchors, bilge systems, and fire suppression gear are required by law.
Transport Canada Required Equipment (9 m – 12 m)
Personal lifesaving equipment
- One Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD for each person onboard
- One buoyant heaving line at least 15 m (49’3”) long
- 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 anchor with at least 30 m (98’5”) of cable, rope, or chain
- One manual bilge pump OR bilge pumping equipment (not required for sealed/watertight designs that cannot hold enough water to capsize)
Visual signals
- One watertight flashlight
- Twelve pyrotechnic distress signals, no more than six of which may be smoke signals
Navigation equipment
- One sound-signalling device or appliance
- Navigation lights if operating after dark or in restricted visibility
- One magnetic compass
- One radar reflector (required for non-metallic boats unless impractical)
Fire fighting equipment
- One 10BC fire extinguisher if equipped with a motor
- One 10BC fire extinguisher if equipped with a fuel-burning cooking, heating, or refrigeration appliance
Recommended extras for 9–12 m boats
Bigger boats typically spend more time offshore or in remote areas. Beyond the legal minimums, consider carrying:
- Additional flares and signaling devices
- VHF radio with DSC capability (essential for coastal cruising)
- EPIRB or PLB for offshore emergency alerts
- Comprehensive first aid kit
- Backup anchor and additional line
- Tool kit with engine spares
See our Marine Safety Equipment collection for essentials.
Why compliance matters
At 9–12 m, boats are large enough to carry multiple passengers and often operate in more demanding conditions. Having the full required equipment isn’t just about passing inspections — it’s about ensuring you can respond effectively in emergencies.
Prepare your 9–12 m vessel today
Make sure your vessel meets Transport Canada’s standards before every trip. Having the right gear onboard keeps your crew safe and avoids costly fines.
Note: This summary is based on Transport Canada’s requirements for pleasure craft 9–12 m. Always confirm the most current regulations for your vessel and operating area.
