Boating is a refreshing way to spend time with your loved ones, host a cool party, or maybe just unwind. With online rental venues, you can charter a yacht Toronto and explore one of the most iconic cities in Canada.

Regardless of the type of vessel you rent, ensuring and knowing all the safety measures and equipment onboard is essential. You don’t want to be a spoilsport, right? Boating is only fun when everyone is safe and sound.

The right jet boat accessories will take your time on the water to a whole new level.

Mandatory Safety Equipment

Each country specifies mandatory safety equipment for boating. This means when you rent a vessel from an online venue for a party boat rental Toronto, there are a set of mandatory rules for you. Let’s take a look at the safety equipment required in Canada. The list is almost the same everywhere.

Paddle boats and sit-on-top Kayaks

Government-approved life jackets or a Personal Floating Device (PFD) for everyone.
A sound signaling device or whistle
Watertight or waterproof flashlight

Rowboat, Canoe and Kayaks

A Life jacket or PFD for everyone or every age. If you’re traveling with children, ask the boat owner about the suitability of the PFD.
Reboarding device
Buoyant heaving line 15 meters
Sound Signalling Device
Watertight Flashlight
6 flares (Type A, B or C)
Navigation lights at night (complying with Collision Regulations)
Radar reflector at night and for long distances

Personal Water Craft (PWC) or Jet Skis

When renting a jet ski from an online venue for party boat rental Toronto, ensure to check the following.

A life jacket or PFD for every passenger (if the jet ski is a two or three-seater)
A Sound Signalling Device
Watertight Flashlight
6 flares (Type A, B or C)
Navigation lights at night (complying with Collision Regulations)
Radar reflector at night and for long distances

The navigation lights and radar reflectors are not necessary for daytime tours or near-shore adventures.

Boats Measuring Greater Than 9 Meters

For boats with lengths more than 9 meters, for example, a private yacht or fishing charter Toronto, ensure these safety tools are present onboard.

Life Buoy attached to Buoyant line
12 flares of various types (Type A, B, C, or D)
Bilge pumping system
2 fire buckets
1 fire axe
Class 10 BC fire extinguisher placed at 3 locations:
Accommodation entrance
Machinery room entrance
Kitchen or gas stove entrance (this might not be applicable for every vessel)

Boats Measuring Greater Than 24 Meters

If your boat is bigger than 24 meters, you are additionally required to have:

Lifting harness with rigging
Total 4 fire buckets and 2 fire axes
1 SOLAS lifebuoys with a 30-meter buoyant line
1 SOLAS lifebuoy having a self-igniting light

Piloting an under-equipped boat will also cost you dollars! Be it your yacht or you opt to charter a yacht Toronto, embarking on a water journey without necessary safety equipment might attract hefty penalties. And remember, obsolete equipment doesn’t count.

Recommended safety checklist

Don’t wait to study safety rules right after an accident. Whenever you go boating, make sure you, the boat operator and all your guests are aware of basic boating facts. Have a look at these important pre-boating tips:

Check the weather reports and get to know what kind of tides and currents you will encounter.
Send your water adventure plan to family or friends (those travelling with you and to someone who isn’t on the boat with you). A float plan describes:

Your boat information (type, name, license number)
Details of passengers and safety equipment on board.
Locations to cover or destinations you plan to visit.
Approximate time of your return.

Double-check the condition of the safety equipment. Look for signs of wear and tear. Safety is never expensive when it comes to saving lives.
Inquire to the owner directly about the boat maintenance. You can even discuss the year of purchase.
Whether you’re on a captained boat or bareboat charter, at-least two people on the boat should know how to send a mayday.
Drinking water, first-aid kit, water-sickness medicine, and sunscreen.
Turn the GPS on. Although this might not be useful for offshore adventures, it is recommended that you keep the GPS turned on.
Ensure that the VHF-FM Radio works well in case you have to reach emergency operators on the land.

Planning avoids mishaps and helps you make the most of your trip! An hour of planning can save you 10 hours of effort and several lives. Know the waters before leaving. Refer to local manuals, guides for authentic information and current updates.

While On The Blue Waters, Be Responsible.

Summers are meant for boat parties and amazing water adventures. With versatile listings hosted on an online rental venue, such as private yachts, PWCs, houseboats, fishing charter Toronto getting a vessel is easier than ever.

But no place has zero accidents. Smartness is being prepared for the worst to enjoy your time to the fullest!

Keep an eye on the cloud formations and the speed of the wind.
Avoid drinking if you are conning the boat. The boat’s skipper should always be ready to prevail against the odds.
Tune in to your local weather channels for the latest updates.
Keep in check the fuel consumption rate.
Remember the closest harbour or secured anchorage.
Be informed of the waters you are riding on. If you have a change of plans, inform someone on the land and enter the details into your float plan.
When you are back at the shore, inform the concerned people. Especially to whom you sent your water journey plan.

Avoid Alcohol

Many people who indulge in fishing expeditions and boating parties grab a beer or two while aiming for the big ones or dancing to their favourite tunes. Remember that consuming alcohol is illegal for boat operators. Moreover, it is not safe for anyone on board.

Every year, thousands of people get injured and die during recreational boating activities. Alcohol makes up for at least 65% of boating deaths. Do you know the effects of alcohol?

You can’t figure out the depth of things and lose focus.
It reduces your mind’s ability to think and process.
Alcohol distorts your vision, balance and motor skills.
Your reaction, response and reflex time are slowed down.
Alcohol speeds up hypothermia, and the most common cause of hypothermia is exposure to cold water and weather.
If you are drunk and fall in the water, you can’t even differentiate its surface.

You can never be too careful while boozing. There is no difference between boating and driving, so never mix alcohol with either of them.

Most boating deaths result from drowning, and the topmost reason is not wearing a life jacket or PFD. Did you know that 50% of boating mishaps are avoidable by wearing a lifejacket and not steering drunk?

Ensure to stay informed about all the above safety equipment in check. Pilot your boat consciously to enjoy the infinite waters !You can get more interesting articles on watercraft menu and party boat here.