Blog - The Raven Speaks
Recent Transport Canada Changes Regarding Wearing and Using Flotation Devices
November 30, 2011
Recently Transport Canada has released some changes to regulations for wearing and using flotation devices on small non-pleasue craft and small commercial fishing vessels. Read more to see if these changes affect you!
Transport Canada will now accept PFDs as the sole flotation device on small non-pleasure craft (ie. vessels other than pleasure craft that are no more than 15 gross tonnage) and small commercial fishing vessels as long as they meet several conditions outlined below. Yes, this includes work boats and vessels operated by government agencies, police and fire departments.
A little background…..the law requires all vessels to carry an approved flotation device for each person on board and that it is properly sized for the person who will wear it. Before this change, it meant that small non-pleasure vessels and small commercial fishing vessels had to carry approved lifejackets.
Although this had been the law for many years, some operators of non-pleasure craft still opted to carry PFDs. In such cases, it was Transport Canada’s past policy to allow the continued use of PFDs aboard certain vessels until they needed to be replaced at the end of their serviceable life. They had also set a deadline for replacing all PFD’s on non-pleasure craft where approved lifejackets are not carried. They also suggested that you could provide an even higher level of protection if you equipped your vessel with PFDs in addition to the required lifejackets and require everyone on board to wear PFDs when there was a risk of falling overboard. Essentially, for those of us that wanted to wear PFDs for their superior fit, comfort and features, this meant we had to carry lifejackets as well in order to comply.
The recent change means that Transport Canada will now accept a PFD as the sole flotation device if it meets the following conditions.
The PFD must:
Note: If it is an inflatable PFD, it must be worn at all times in an open vessel and when on deck on a vessel of closed construction as required by the Small Vessel Regulations;
Note - If the PFD is designed to offer thermal protection as well as buoyancy, it must be a full worksuit or a coat that covers the body at least down to the thigh.
We recommend a PFD that meets all these requirements and is still comfortable to wear - the North Water Pro Systems Rescue PFD pictured above. It offers a good balance of flotation, comfort, protection, fit and rescue features. This PFD is a great choice when rescue is one of your primary objectives.
Transport Canada’s new regulations also say that if you have PFDs that do not meet these conditions, you may continue to use them until they need replacing or until June 30, 2012, whichever comes first. At that time, you must replace them with approved lifejackets or approved PFDs that meet the conditions listed above. If you would like to keep a PFD but it does not meet the conditions listed above, you may do so as long as you also have the required approved lifejacket on board.
All this being said, it is still our opinion that any Type V Rescue PFD that has a minimum float rating of 15.5lbs is considered the legal standard of care in Canada and is still appropriate even though it may not have Canadian Coast Guard approval. Remember, no PFD will reliably roll you over in turbulent flows - approved or otherwise.
Regardless of your choice, it is important to remember that no PFD will work if it is not worn! While working in, on, over or beside moving water we firmly believe that a PFD is a key step in reducing your risk profile. Look for one that fits you comfortably and securely and will provide you with adequate flotation, thermal and impact protection.
We carry a full line of PFDs, in addition to the North Water PFD listed above. If you have any questions about which PFD may be right for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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