www.BoatOperatorCard.ca

Accredited Course Provider for the Pleasure Craft Operator Card Home   |   Study Guide   |   Resources

PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices)

Home > Resources

An approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) can be used on all pleasure craft in place of a SOLAS, Standard or Small Vessel lifejacket or life vest, according to Canadian Small Vessel Regulations.

PFDs must be worn constantly while boating in any of Canada’s waterways, so are designed to be more comfortable than life jackets but are less buoyant and have lower turning capacity. Regulations stipulate though, that they must not have the tendency to flip wearers face down in the water.

It doesn’t matter what colour your personal flotation device is but Transport Canada recommends that you choose bright colours for greatest visibility.

There are PFDs designed for specific uses and it’s important that you get the right one. A device that protects you while sailing or kayaking may not be advisable for water skiing. Whichever type you’re shopping for, make sure the device is approved by Transport Canada or the Canadian Coast Guard, Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The label should be printed in both official languages, English and French.

Inflatable PFDs

If purchasing an inflatable PFD, make sure that it comes with an owner’s manual. You need to understand how to work the two step safety features before you take any life vest or apparatus out onto the water. It’s your responsibility to know how to use any inflatable buoyancy aid and to be conscious of its limitations.

There are a few things you need to be aware of:

• There are no inflatable PFDs designed for children weighing less than 9 kg (20 lbs.) and none are approved for children under the age of 16
• This type of device is not suitable for weak swimmers
• Inflatable personal flotation devices are not approved for use while water paddling or on a personal water craft
• You must wear your PFD either fully inflated or with a fully functional inflation cartridge
• Adults 16 or older, weighting 36.3 kg or more must always wear their inflatable device in an open boat or while on deck
• Adults below deck must always have ready access to the devices
• You can purchase three types: manual in lifevest or suspender style, manual pouch type or automatic jacket

Inherently Buoyant PFDs

Inherently Buoyant PFDs give you another safety option. They are approved for recreational boating only and are more comfortable than traditional lifejackets but they do have less flotation and turn ability than the SOLAS, Standard and Small Vessel life jackets and life vests. There are however, some models that are specifically designed to protect from hypothermia.

There is a wide range of sizes available and many colours to choose from when buying an inherently buoyant PFD. Transport Canada recommends that you select a size that can be worn snuggly and in a bright colour.

Happy and Safe Boating

If outfitting your vessel with personal flotation devices, carefully consider the safety needs of your passengers. That way, you can relax and enjoy boating in Canada’s beautiful waters this summer.