Boater Safety Refresher

We had the opportunity to have a conversation with a member of the RCMP who regularly patrols Lac Du Bonnet and Bird River. Generally they've been very pleased with the amount of boaters they see that have the full complement of safety equipment on board, but that doesn't mean everyone can't use a bit of a refresher from time to time. So - what are the minimum safety requirements in our area?

EVERY Pleasure Craft MUST have:

• 1 Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD per person on board - right size for each person, no exceptions

• Proof of operator competency - Pleasure Craft Operator Card (or equivalent), carried on board

• Pleasure Craft License if your engine is 10 hp - number displayed on both sides of the bow, 3" high letters, contrasting colour

• Compliance notice at the helm (boats under 24 m with a motor)

Boats up to 6 m (~19'8") All of the above, plus:

• Buoyant heaving line, 15 m minimum

• Reboarding device (ladder or rope) - only required if you'd need to climb more than 0.5 m to get back in

• Paddle/Oars or anchor + 15 m of line/chain

• Bailer or manual bilge pump

• Sound-signalling device (whistle/horn)

• If it has a motor: watertight flashlight or 3 flares (max 1 smoke) or an approved electronic visual distress signal + smoke signal

• Navigation lights (only needed if running after dark/low visibility)

• Fire extinguisher (1 5BC) - only if it has an inboard engine, a fixed fuel tank, or a fuel-burning cooking/heating appliance

Boats 6–9 m (19'8"–29'6") All of the above, plus:

• Lifebuoy attached to a 15 m buoyant line (in addition to the heaving line)

• Upgraded flares: 6 total, max 2 smoke signals (flares are only ever required if you are more than 1 nautical mile from shore - bonus points to you if you carry them, but not an issue in our area

• Fire extinguisher (1 5BC) required if inboard engine or fuel-burning appliance

And - just like you would for your home - make sure you are inspecting your fire extinguisher at the very least annually. 1 5BC extinguishers are typically disposable - make sure the needle is in the green, turn it upside down and give it a shake - if you can feel the powder move you're good to go. If not, the chemical has settled or caked up and it's time for a new one.

BRCOA