MEDIA LINES
Stand Up Paddleboards
(DG Approved Feb 6 2012)
Background
The Canada Shipping Act, 2001 is the main legislation governing safety in marine transportation and protection of the marine environment. Transport Canada administers the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and is responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcing its requirements.
Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 apply to vessels used for "navigation" on Canadian waterways. Navigation is commonly defined as a process of planning and following a route typically from point A to point B. It is important to note that the Small Vessel Regulations provide an exemption for certain human-powered pleasure crafts from carrying equipment provided persons on board are wearing an approved lifejacket or personal floatation device equipped with a whistle.
Transport Canada always strives to find a balance between effective, appropriate equipment requirements and the public's freedom of choice, in order to accommodate the nature and enjoyment of the particular activity without compromising safety.
Q1. Which category does a stand up paddleboard (SUP) fall into in the eyes of Transport Canada?
A1. Transport Canada does not regulate stand up paddleboards operating in a "beach front" or "swimming area" as they would not be considered to be engaged in navigation. At this point in time stand up paddleboards being used fornavigation fall into the same category as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rowing shells, and other human powered boats less than 6m in length.
Q2. What are the current regulations and requirements for stand-up paddleboards?
A2. The Small Vessel Regulations is the main tool the Government of Canada uses to promote the safe operation of pleasure crafts (including stand up paddleboarding) within Canadian waterways.
Each person on board a paddleboard being used to navigate in open waters is required to wear one approved lifejacket or personal floatation device equipped with a sound-signaling device (whistle), or alternatively, to carry the following equipment: one approved lifejacket or personal floating device for each person on board, one buoyant heaving line at least 15m in length, and one sound signaling device (whistle).
Transport Canada does not regulate stand up paddleboards operating in a "beach front" or "swimming area" as they would not be considered to be engaged in navigation.
The most current and relevant requirements can be found through these links:
Small Vessel Regulations, Human-Powered Pleasure Craft, Life Saving Appliances
Small Vessel Regulations, Exceptions for Human-Powered Pleasure Craft
Q3. Are there requirements for a leash for stand up paddleboards? Many would argue that a leash offers more safeguards than a PFD since wearing a leash keeps you in constant contact with your already buoyant board. Ideally would a rider have both?
A3. Transport Canada is working with industry and stakeholders, in Canada and the United States, to review best practices and gain a better understanding of this activity. Transport Canada strongly believes, and drowning statistics clearly demonstrate, that a lifejacket or personal floatation device provides the highest degree of personal safety while on the water.
Q4. Are waist/belt flotation devices okay? What about a PFD taped/secured to your board?
A4. One of the requirements for standup paddleboards being used for navigation is an approved lifejacket or personal floatation device for each person on board. These approved products are now available in a wide variety of different types designed for many different water sport activities. Transport Canada recommends to always check that the lifejacket is approved, in good condition and most importantly, that it is worn for personal safety while on the water!
Q5. In the sport of surfing-definitely closely related to stand-up-there are different rules and exemptions when a rider is inside the surf zone in the U.S. Are there exceptions like this in Canada for surfing and do they also apply to stand up paddleboards?
A5. Transport Canada regulates vessels, including surfboards or paddleboards, used for navigation on Canadian waterways and not when operating in a beach front or swimming areas. Regulations would apply to paddleboards or surfboards being used to navigate in open water, for example, to transit across a lake or coastal waterway.
Q6. Are there exemptions for SUP races and competition?
A6. Because this type of vessel is not yet specifically identified in the Small Vessel Regulations, there are currently no exemptions for SUPs. There are exemptions for other types of vessels engaged in official competition and Transport Canada is willing to consider applying a similar approach to SUPs.
Q7. What is enforcement like across the country? In Ontario?
A7. Regulations related to the safe operation, equipment and conduct of pleasure craft operators are enforced by federal, provincial and municipal police agencies as well as other marine enforcement officers. In Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police and a number of regional and municipal police agencies take an active role in promoting boating safety awareness through their education and compliance related activities. These agencies are a valuable partner to Transport Canada and help us achieve our goal of reducing boating fatalities and incidents on Canadian waterways.
Q8. What are the fines for not complying with the Transport Canada regulations?
A8. Enforcement agencies may issue tickets for non-compliance. Fines vary from $200 to $500 with additional provincial surcharges and administrative fees.
Q9. Does Transport Canada revisit the regulations? Since SUP is growing so much right now, will the rules be re-evaluated in the future?
A9. In accordance with the Government of Canada's regulatory policies, Transport Canada maintains a consultative forum, the Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC), which receives proposals for new regulations and amendments to existing ones. The subject of standup paddleboards was discussed at the Standing Committee on Recreational Boating at CMAC last fall. As a result, Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety is considering a regulatory proposal that would add standup paddleboards to the same category as paddleboats, watercycles and sealed hull sit-on-top kayaks. The addition of standup paddleboards to the Small Vessel Regulations will serve to clarify application of existing requirements without actually changing them.