BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

The small vessel regulations require that all boat operators to be able to recognize, understand, and properly use distress signals. 

Certain distress signals are required to be carried on board your boat depending on the type and size of boat you’re operating- for example, power-driven boats are required to carry different distress signals than non-powered boats.

Remember: It is illegal to make or report a fake distress signal! False distress signals take time away from search and rescue organizations, making them unavailable or further away from real emergencies. 

You are required to render assistance to any person, vessel or aircraft that signals distress. Additionally, you are required to offer assistance if you respond to a distress call and are asked by the boat in distress to help. If rendering assistance puts you or your passengers (guests) in danger, you are not required to help.