Manual Propelling Device Check & Requirements

As per the Small Vessel Regulations, certain pleasure crafts are required to carry a manual propelling device on board at all times.

It’s an important piece of boating safety equipment that can get you out of a pinch if you find yourself stranded without sail or engine power.

Key takeaways

Manual propelling devices are a required pieces of safety equipment on pleasure craft in Canada.
Accepted types of devices include paddles, oars, foot paddles, rudders and anchors.
There are some exceptions to carrying one on board, including if you operate a PWC and are wearing a life jacket.
Vessels over 9 m in length are required to carry an anchor to meet the legal requirements.
It’s important to check your manual propelling device every time you head out, to make sure it works and is easy to access.

Table of contents

Approved manual propelling devices
- Why your boat needs a manual propelling device
- Boats that require a manual propelling device
  - Manual propelling device rules
Manual propelling device check
Frequently Asked Questions

Approved manual propelling devices

According to Transport Canada, a manual propelling device is any piece of equipment that uses human power (hands or feet) to move the vessel.

Approved examples include:

Paddles (can be telescopic to save space)
A set of oars
Rudders (specifically on small open sailboats)
Paddle wheels (on human-powered paddleboats)
Anchor with a minimum of 15m of rope, cable, or chain. (This can be used for kedging to inch your way to chore or in the event that you run aground: toss the anchor, let it set, then pull the boat towards it to inch your way forward.)

Why your boat needs a manual propelling device

In addition to being required by law, carrying a manual propelling device is just good practice. Boats can experience engine failure or other issues at any time, and having a way to manually propel the boat can give you peace of mind and as sense of security.

Even if you know how your inboard engine works, you could end up having a breakdown. It’s just one of many elements of boating safety equipment that you should have onboard at all times.

Boats that require a manual propelling device

Any pleasure craft less than 9 m in length must have a manual propelling device on board. This includes sailboats, power boats, sailboards, kiteboards and (depending on whether life jackets are worn) PWCs.

Boats over 9 m require an anchor instead.

Manual propelling device rules

Boat Type/Length	Manual Propelling Device Needed?	Can I Use an Anchor Instead?
PWC	Only if lifejackets aren’t worn	Yes
Any vessel under 6 m	Yes	Yes (with 15m rope)
Any vessel 6 m to 9 m	Yes	Yes (with 15m rope)
Any vessel over 9 m	No (Anchor is mandatory)	Anchor is mandatory
Canoe/Kayak	Yes	Yes (but rare)

Manual propelling device check

Before each trip, boaters should make it a routine to check their manual propelling device to make sure it is in good working condition and is easily accessible in case of an emergency

Tip: Make a habit of checking it when you check your manual water pump and fire extinguisher.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there requirements for paddle size and type?

The law doesn’t specify a specific paddle blade size. Just use common sense: it must be functional for the size of your vessel. A tiny decorative paddle won’t help you move a large powerboat against a current.

2. Should I have one or two oars?

While the law says ‘a’ manual propelling device (singular), if you are using oars, you generally need a set of two along with functional oarlocks to be effective. A single paddle may be more practical for small motorboats.

3. What is the best way to store a paddle on a powerboat?

Like all boating safety equipment, manual propelling devices must be stored where they can be reached immediately in an emergency. Many boaters use paddle clips to mount them along the gunwale or under a seat. This way, they are out of the way still easily within reach.

Sources

Government of Canada Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) Department of Justice. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2010-91/page-3.html#h-769655
Transport Canada. SAFE BOATING GUIDE. [PDF]. https://tc.canada.ca/sites/default/files/2024-03/tp_511e.pdf

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