Special-purpose Vessels Regulations

7 (1) Every person on an excursion, other than a guide, shall be provided with a properly sized small-vessel lifejacket or white-water vest.

(2) Before January 1, 2012, a person on an excursion in waters that are not class 3 or above waters may be provided with a properly sized personal flotation device instead of the equipment required by subsection (1).

(3) Every guide on an excursion shall be provided with a properly sized small-vessel lifejacket or white-water vest or an inherently buoyant and properly sized personal flotation device that has a quick release harness.

(4) Every person on an excursion in class 3 or above waters, other than a person on an excursion on a motorized vessel that is over 6 m in length, shall be provided with a properly sized helmet.

(5) Subsection (4) does not apply in respect of an excursion in waters where there are no rocks or other hard objects that could cause impact injuries to a person who falls overboard.

(6) Every person on an excursion in class 3 or above waters where the water temperature is less than 15° C shall, unless the excursion is on a motorized vessel that is over 6 m in length, be provided with properly sized gear designed to provide thermal protection to the body core when a person is immersed in water.

(7) Every small-vessel lifejacket, white-water vest or personal flotation device provided under any of subsections (1) to (3)

• (a) shall, in the case of a small-vessel lifejacket, bear in English and French its manufacturer’s marking or labelling indicating that it meets the standards set out in CAN/CGSB-65.7-M88, Lifejackets, Inherently Buoyant Type or the standards for a class 2 lifejacket set out in the CAN/CGSB-65.7-2007, Lifejackets;

• (b) shall, in the case of a personal flotation device, bear in English and French its manufacturer’s marking or labelling indicating that it meets the standards for type I personal flotation devices set out in CAN/CGSB-65.11-M88, Personal Flotation Devices;

• (c) shall, in the case of a white-water vest, have been approved by the United States Coast Guard for use in commercial white-water activities;

• (d) shall not be altered in a manner that

  • (i) compromises its original structural integrity, or

  • (ii) diminishes the integrity or readability of any marking or labelling required by paragraph (a) or (b);

• (e) shall be in good condition; and

• (f) shall be maintained and replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or recommendations, if any, that come with the equipment.

(8) A person who provides their own equipment or gear that meets the applicable requirements of subsections (1) to (7) shall be considered to have been provided with that equipment or gear.