Are you Compliant? New Lifejacket Requirements for Passenger Vessels

New Lifejacket Requirements for Passenger Vessels Under Transport Canada’s Vessel Construction and Equipment Regulations

As of December 2023, Transport Canada has implemented updates to the Vessel Construction and Equipment Regulations that significantly impact passenger vessel owners and operators. If you’re operating a passenger vessel 24 meters or more in length, and your trips extend into nighttime hours, these new requirements are crucial for you.

Who Is Affected?

This regulation applies to owners and operators of existing passenger vessels measuring 24 meters or more in length that operate after sunset and before sunrise. These changes aim to improve passenger safety, particularly for infants and children, and enhance visibility during nighttime operations.

What Are the New Requirements?

The new regulations are designed to address two main safety concerns:

1. Adequate Lifejackets for Infants and Children: All passenger vessels, whether newly built or already in operation, are now required to carry lifejackets suitable for every infant and child on board. At a minimum, vessels should have enough lifejackets for 2% of the total passenger count, ensuring sufficient life-saving equipment for the youngest passengers in the event of an emergency.

2. Personal Locator Lights on Lifejackets for Night Operations: Passenger vessels that operate after sunset and before sunrise must equip lifejackets with personal locator lights. This addition significantly enhances safety by improving visibility in low-light conditions, allowing for easier tracking and rescue efforts if passengers enter the water.

Why These Changes Matter

These changes reflect Transport Canada’s commitment to elevating safety standards on Canada’s waterways, especially during nighttime travel when visibility is limited, and risks can be higher. Equipping lifejackets with locator lights and ensuring an adequate supply of child-friendly lifejackets are essential for providing peace of mind and aligning with modern safety expectations.

Preparing for Compliance

Passenger vessel owners and operators should review their current inventory of lifejackets to ensure compliance with these new standards. Implementing these changes sooner rather than later will help avoid penalties and keep your vessel’s safety provisions in line with Transport Canada’s expectations.

For full details on the updated regulations, refer to Transport Canada’s bulletin, SSB No. 27/2023, on the Vessel Construction and Equipment Regulations.

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