L'équipement de sécurité nautique obligatoire au Québec

Mandatory water safety equipment in Quebec

La Cordée

September 9, 2025

6 minutes

In Quebec, the law requires that any watercraft have a minimum of nautical safety equipment to navigate inland waters such as a river or a small lake.

Here is the basic equipment required for pleasure craft such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and small motorized vessels:

- A personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board. Each life jacket must be approved by Transport Canada and be of the appropriate size for each of the individuals in the vessel;

- A buoyant heaving line with a minimum length of 15 meters, i.e. a rope that will be thrown to a person who has fallen into the water. As its name suggests, this rope must be able to float, but it must also be in good condition;

- A sound signalling device, such as a pea-less whistle;

If the boat is longer than six meters, other nautical safety equipment is mandatory:

- A waterproof flashlight, in good working order, which will be used to see and be seen when navigating at night or in reduced visibility;

- A bailer with a minimum capacity of 750 milliliters, made of plastic or metal with an opening of at least 65 cm2 AND/OR a manual bilge pump which will be used to empty water overboard;

By having the appropriate nautical safety equipment, you will sail with peace of mind. If something were to go wrong, these accessories may save a life.

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