Boat Safety Equipment Checklist

Not every boater has the same amount of confidence or expertise, and accidents occur if safety measures are not taken. 

When you rent a boat Toronto, having a pre-departure check before any trip, even briefly, is one of the best preparation methods. A safety equipment checklist ensures you are not caught off guard if problems arise.  

Safety Equipment Checklist For Your Boating Adventure

  • Personal Flotation Devices and Life Jackets

Each person on board has to have access to a wearable personal flotation device like a life jacket. 

A PFD must be worn at all times by anybody onboard a vessel. In the event of any accident, the first thing a crew member should do is make sure everyone on board puts on their life jackets.

Whether you rent a jetski from an online venue for jetski rental Toronto or opt for yacht charter a lifejacket is legally mandatory.   

  • Floating Devices and Life Buoys 

One should have at least one type IV flotation device, in addition to the life jackets, that can be tossed in the water in an emergency. These can be floaters, ring buoys, or other objects and having more than one in the boat is ideal. 

If someone falls off the boat, a line may be tied to these objects, allowing you to draw them closer to the boat and haul them out of the sea. 

  • Immersion Suit

Immersion suits prevent hypothermia in cold water and are designed for ordinary commercial boats. A waterproof zipper, watertight hood, reflective tapes, neoprene pocket, and gloves are all included with the immersion suits. 

This might not be included when you rent a vessel from an online rental venue for jetski rental Toronto. These suits are specifically useful when you are venturing into extreme water sports

  • Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishers come in many varieties but keep in mind that boats under 26 feet require a minimum of one B-1 type extinguisher and those between 26 and 40 feet require two B-1 types or one B-2 type. 

When you rent a boat Toronto, learn how to use an extinguisher by pulling the pin, pressing the handle, and aiming straight towards the flame. 

  • Inflatable Life Raft

For yachts and commercial ships, inflatable life rafts are a necessary piece of equipment. The emergency life raft meets Canadian and SOLAS standards. Life rafts come in a variety of styles, including throw-overboard, self-righting, and open-reversible rafts.

  • Visual Signaling Devices

Depending on the size of the vessel and where you go boating, the criteria for visual signaling devices vary. Flares are required for boats under 16 feet. Orange or white smoke and aerial light flares are examples of flares that meet the requirements. 

Some flares may be launched on their own, while others need a flare gun to do so. Boats larger than 16 feet must have both daytime and nighttime visual signals. 

A strobe light is another nighttime gadget apart from flares, and flags can be used during the day. You can carry a strobe light specially if you’re travelling after sunset. 

Also Read: Guide to Choose Best Water Toys for Your Yacht Vacation

  • Marine VHF Radio

For the most recent weather reports a VHF radio is required. Important alerts and bulletins are broadcast on VHF channel by the Coast Guard and other agencies. 

The majority of radios also have a distress beacon that may be used to provide search and rescue crews precise coordinates.

Before you rent a boat Toronto discuss with the owner about the communication devices available onboard!

  • Sound Signaling Devices

All boats must have sound signaling equipment like horns, bells, and whistles to attract the attention of nearby vessels in case of an emergency.  

Endnote 

Depending on the sort of boat you're in and whether you're in open or confined seas, there are different minimum safety equipment requirements. 

All safety gear must be in working order and one should always maintain the necessary standards or specifications of these gears. They should be stored in easily accessible places and passengers should be notified about the equipment.

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