Due to a recent spike in boating-related incidents and fatalities in Canada, Transport Canada, the Canadian Safe Boating Council, and partners are considering the following criteria for the mandatory wear of PFDs or lifejackets:
Age Requirements:
- Require the mandatory wearing of a PFD or lifejacket for any person aged 14 years or younger on board a pleasure craft; or
- Require the mandatory wearing of a PFD or lifejacket for any person aged 18 years or younger on board a pleasure craft.
Vessel Size Requirements:
- Require the mandatory wearing of a PFD or lifejacket for any person on board any pleasure craft 6 metres in length and below; or
- Require the mandatory wearing of a PFD or lifejacket for any person on board any pleasure craft 9 metres in length and below
Vessel Type Requirements:
- Require the mandatory wearing of a PFD or lifejacket for any person on board any motorized vessel (i.e., powerboats); or
- Require the mandatory wearing of a PFD or lifejacket for any person on board any motorized vessel (i.e., powerboats) and human-powered vessel (i.e., canoes, kayaks)
The NOTO Board would appreciate feedback from our members as we work to finalize a position on this matter. Please send your response to NOTO staff by March 1st, 2022.
When submitting feedback, consider the following questions:
- Which criteria do you support?
- Are there any criteria you disagree with or are concerned about? If so, why?
- Are there any variations to the criteria you feel should be included?
- Do you feel all criteria are necessary?
- Are there any additional criteria you feel should be included?