Use of Safety Equipment and Requirement to Inform persons on board

Use of Safety Equipment and Requirement to Inform persons on board

1. Wear a personal flotation device. The technique for putting on personal flotation devices in the water should include the following steps:
   1. Spread the device open with the inside facing up out of the water,
   2. Rotate the device so as to look at the neck opening,
   3. Extend both arms through arm openings;
   4. Lift arms over the head;
   5. Fasten the device to fit snugly.
2. As a safety measure, the operator of a pleasure craft should read the manufacturer’s instructions before using pyrotechnic distress signals, and check the expiry date.
   It is important to note that the “pyrotechnic distress signals” to be carried on board a pleasure craft must be approved by the Department of Transport Canada, in accordance with the Small Vessels Regulations, Material Standards - Pyrotechnic Distress Signals.
3. As well, the operator should locate the required safety equipment in readily accessible places on board the craft.
4. The operator of a pleasure craft should inform the persons on board about the following safety points:
   • The location of personal flotation devices and/or life jackets;
   • The techniques for putting on personal flotation devices and/or life jackets;
   • The techniques for putting on personal flotation devices and/or life jackets when in the water;
   • The importance of wearing personal flotation devices and/or life jackets at all times;
   • The location of the emergency kit;
   • The importance of keeping oneself low, on the centre line, and holding on to a rigid part of the pleasure craft while moving around on board;
   • The importance of keeping one’s hands, arms and legs inside the pleasure craft when approaching or leaving a dock;
   • The effects of the motion of the pleasure craft, sunlight, waves, wind, sound and alcohol on them; and
   • Their roles in the event of emergencies.