Home / Boating Safety Manual / Reboarding devices: required boating safety equipment in Canada
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If you accidentally fall into the water while boating, it’s very important to have a reboarding device aboard, particularly if you’re alone. Even if you get into the water on purpose (to go swimming or diving, for example) you still need a dependable way to get back on board.
This is why reboarding devices are part of the boating safety equipment that is legally required to operate a recreational boat in Canada.
Key takeaways
- You need a reboarding device of the height between the water and your boat’s side is greater than half a metre when your boat is at maximum capacity.
- A reboarding device can be a ladder, rope, buoyant heaving line or any other type of contraption that is safe and appropriate for the size of your boat.
Table of contents
- Reboarding device requirements in Canada
- Definition of freeboard
- Types of reboarding devices that meet Canadian requirements
- Fixed transom ladder
- Swim platforms with ladders
- Rope or webbing ladders (portable)
- A simple rope or strap system
- Frequently Asked Questions
Reboarding device requirements in Canada
In Canada, a reboarding device is required on any vessel with a freeboard that exceeds half a metre (50 cm or 1’8”).
The reboarding device must be appropriate for the size of the vessel and cannot include any part of the boat’s propulsion system.
Definition of freeboard
“Freeboard” refers to the vertical height a person needs to climb in order to get back into a boat from the water. It’s the vertical distance at the side of the boat between the gunwale, or upper edge of the boat, and the waterline when the boat is loaded to maximum capacity.
Types of reboarding devices that meet Canadian requirements
A reboarding device helps a person get back onto a vessel from the water. There are no construction specifications for an approved reboarding device, so it can be as simple as a rope tied to the gunwale at both ends that can be used as a step.
The most common type of reboarding device is a buoyant heaving line. All pleasure craft in Canada must carry a buoyant heaving line on board that is the right length for the size of the boat.
Other types of acceptable reboarding devices (which do not replace the legal requirement of a buoyant heaving line) include:
Fixed transom ladder
This ladder is permanently mounted on the back (transom) of the boat. It often folds out into the water, such as a built-in swim ladder.
Swim platforms with ladders
A swim platform is an attached platform with a retractable ladder that extends into the water.
Rope or webbing ladders (portable)
These portable ladders can be stored and used when needed, and should be stored in an easy-to-reach location.
A simple rope or strap system
A line tied to the gunwale (side) at both ends that loops under the water can act as a foothold or handhold. This meets the minimum functional requirement if it is appropriate for the vessel’s size and freeboard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is only legally required if the freeboard (vertical height to climb) is more than 0.5 metres.
If your freeboard is 0.5m or less (e.g., small dinghy, kayak), you are exempt from the requirement because a person can easily roll or climb back aboard.
No, there are no specific construction or approval standards. It only needs to be appropriate for your vessel’s size and design.
No. The reboarding device cannot include any part of the vessel’s propulsion unit (engine, propeller, etc.) for safety reasons.
Yes, a buoyant heaving line is considered an acceptable reboarding aid once it has been thrown and secured to the boat.
Sources
- Government of Canada Small Vessel Regulations. Department of Justice. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2010-91/section-204.html/
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