Life Jackets and Local Laws : Boating Safely in Vancouver

Boating is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, especially here in our beautiful British Columbia waters. However, it's important to remember that safety should always come first. Some of the most crucial aspects of boating safety would be using Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), more commonly known as life jackets, as well as indicator lights on boats. And it’s not just a recommendation - it’s the law!

In Vancouver, the law requires that all boats have a properly fitted life jacket for each person on board. It's not enough to just have them; they need to be readily accessible. Kids under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times when in an open boat or on deck. Life jackets aren’t a fashion statement - they’re a life statement.

Regularly check your life jackets for wear and tear, and replace them if you notice any damage or if they no longer fit properly. Kids grow, so make sure the life jackets you have on hand are for your child’s current weight and height. For small boats, wearing a life jacket is even more critical because these vessels are more susceptible to bumping around our tidal waters. Early life jackets were made of cork, but modern life jackets use foam or inflatable chambers for buoyancy and are sometimes equipped with a safety whistle - think the classic Titanic scene - whistles DO save main characters.

When boating in Vancouver, be aware of the unique safety concerns. The waters here aren’t too temperamental (lucky us!) but they can be a bit unpredictable, with sudden changes in weather and some strong currents. First-time boaters should know the "rules of the road," when it comes to the water.

The oceans don’t have turn lanes or stop signs - the freedom of not getting stuck in 9-5 commuter traffic is awesome. Boats DO have navigation lights, though —bright lights that indicate the direction a boat is traveling, similar to how cars use headlights and turn signals. Boats also have safety measures that cars don't, like flares, which are used to signal distress, and bilge pumps to remove water from the hull.

Navigation lights on small vessels evolved from the need to prevent collisions at night. Initially, boats used lanterns or torches - we’ve outgrown those. Standardized lights and rules emerged in the 19th century with the rise of steamships, becoming internationally regulated to ensure safe navigation. The primary light colors used in navigation lights are red, green, and white. Sometimes you'll also see a blue light used by law enforcement vessels.

If you’re new to boating, or looking out at Vancouver waters at night, you’ll be able to tell which way a boat is headed based off the colours of the lights you see twinkling out on the tides. There are specific rules for each color of navigation light:

Red: Indicates the port (left) side of a vessel.

Green: Indicates the starboard (right) side of a vessel.

White: Used as a masthead light on power-driven vessels, a stern light, or anchor light, usually at the back of the boat.

Taking a boating safety course to learn essential skills and regulations is always a good idea - boating safety is ‘knot’ something to take lightly.