Boats over 12 metres and up to 24 metres (39’4” – 78’9”) fall under stricter Transport Canada safety requirements. These vessels are larger, carry more people, and often venture into more challenging waters — meaning the safety gear list is more comprehensive.
This guide explains the required equipment for 12–24 m boats in Canada, plus recommended extras to keep your vessel prepared for coastal and offshore conditions.
Shop Marine Safety Equipment before your next trip.
Who this applies to
This applies to pleasure craft over 12 m and up to 24 m. Examples include larger yachts, commercial-style fishing boats, and liveaboard cruisers. At this size, more advanced firefighting gear and navigation equipment are legally required.
Transport Canada Required Equipment (12 m – 24 m)
Personal lifesaving equipment
- One Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD for each person onboard
- One buoyant heaving line at least 15 m (49’3”) in length
- One lifebuoy equipped with a self-igniting light OR 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 50 m (164’1”) of cable, rope, or chain
- Bilge pumping equipment (mechanical/manual system required)
Visual signals
- One watertight flashlight
- Twelve pyrotechnic distress signals, no more than six of which may be smoke signals
Navigation equipment
- One or two sound-signalling appliances (a fitted whistle; if over 20 m, also a fitted bell)
- Navigation lights (if operating after dark or in restricted visibility)
- One magnetic compass that meets Navigation Safety Regulations
- One radar reflector (required unless installation is impractical)
Fire fighting equipment
- One 10BC fire extinguisher at each access to spaces with fuel-burning appliances
- One 10BC fire extinguisher at the entrance to accommodation spaces
- One 10BC fire extinguisher at the entrance to the machinery space
- One axe
- Two buckets (minimum 10 L each)
Recommended extras for 12–24 m vessels
Larger boats carry more crew and operate further from shore, so outfitting beyond the minimum is wise:
- Fixed fire suppression system in engine rooms
- EPIRB or PLB for offshore emergency alerts
- Extra lifebuoys and throwables
- Medical-grade first aid kit
- Spare anchor and heavy-weather rode
- Tool kit and critical engine spares
See our full Marine Safety Equipment collection.
Why compliance matters
Vessels of 12–24 m are complex and often operate offshore. Having the full list of safety equipment ensures you’re not only compliant with Canadian law but also prepared to protect passengers and crew in emergencies.
Outfit your 12–24 m vessel today
Before you cast off, confirm your vessel meets Transport Canada’s safety standards. Larger boats face higher risks — being properly equipped is essential.
Note: This summary reflects Transport Canada’s requirements for pleasure craft over 12 m and up to 24 m. Always check the latest regulations for your vessel.
