What’s the Difference Between a Lifejacket and Personal Flotation Device (PFD)?

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into lifejackets, PFDs, and what factors to consider when selecting the right lifejacket or personal flotation device for you. 

As important as it is to enjoy your time on the water, it’s equally important to follow essential boating safety practices. One of the best ways to protect yourself while boating is to wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD).  

According to a joint recreational boating surveillance report by the Canadian Red Cross and Transport Canada, a properly-worn lifejacket or PFD is the most important piece of boating safety equipment in the prevention of accidental drowning. 

The report found that only 12% of boating immersion victims wore a personal flotation device and 4% of them wore it incorrectly.

So, what exactly is a personal flotation device or PFD? And how does it differ from a lifejacket or life vest? 

Lifejacket vs. PFD: What’s the Difference?

Lifejackets and PFDs are often confused with each other by both new and experienced boaters alike. Since they perform the same function of helping people stay afloat in water, many use the names PFD and lifejacket interchangeably. 

Despite their shared purpose and similar appearances, there are some key differences between the two:

• Lifejackets are more heavily padded at the front and generally bulkier than a PFD.
• All lifejackets approved by Transport Canada provide thermal protection, but only some PFDs offer thermal protection.
• A PFD feels lighter and more comfortable to wear than a lifejacket.
• A lifejacket is self-righting. It is designed to always flip your body face up when immersed in water, while a PFD will simply keep you afloat.
• PFDs come in a wide array of colours, sizes, and styles. On the other hand, Canadian-approved lifejackets are only available in limited colours and sizes. 

What are the Different Types of Lifejackets?

Lifejackets offer the highest level of protection and flotation for boaters. To maximize visibility in the water, lifejackets approved in Canada only come in three bright colours: yellow, red, and orange. 

From the most to the least amount of protection, here are the three types of lifejackets approved in Canada: 

• Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Lifejackets

• • • When it comes to safety and performance, SOLAS lifejackets are the gold standard in lifejackets. 
    • These types of lifejackets pass the highest standards, offer the most buoyancy, and can be worn on any vessel. 
    • SOLAS lifejackets are capable of instantly self-righting. Regardless of whether a person is conscious or not, the lifejacket will turn them on their back and keep their head above water, to help them breathe.
    • These keyhole-style lifejackets are available to boaters in two sizes: for adults (who weigh over 32 kg or 70 lbs) or for children (who weigh less than 32 kg or 70 lbs). 

• Standard Type Lifejackets 

• • • In terms of protection, a standard type lifejacket follows closely behind the SOLAS lifejacket. 
    • These types of lifejackets can be worn on any vessel except for SOLAS vessels. 
    • Similar to the SOLAS lifejacket, a standard type lifejacket is also self-righting and can turn a person, conscious or not, over onto their back.
    • The standard type of lifejacket comes in the keyhole style with one size for adults (who weigh more than 40 kg or 90 lbs) and another size for children (who weigh less than 40 kg or 90 lbs). 

• Small Vessel Lifejackets 

• • This is the third and last type of Canadian-approved lifejacket. 
  • As its name suggests, these lifejackets can be used on small vessels. 
  • The small vessel lifejacket is designed to turn your body face up, albeit more slowly than the other two types of lifejackets.
  • Canadian boaters can choose between two styles (keyhole or vest) and three sizes based on weight: over 41 kg (90lbs), less than 18 kg (40 lbs), and in between. 

What Types of PFDs Are Available?

Unlike lifejackets, approved PFDs come in a wide variety of colours, sizes, and styles. Canadian boaters who prefer to wear a PFD enjoy the luxury of selecting a personal flotation device with features specifically designed for their chosen water-related activity. 

It’s important to distinguish between an inflatable PFD and a standard PFD. Inflatable PFDs, which manually, orally, or automatically inflate when immersed in water, are prohibited for certain uses under Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide and are best used by competent swimmers.

Canadians are not permitted to use inflatable PFDs under the following circumstances: 

• The person is younger than 16 years or weighs less than 36.3 kg (80 lbs). 
• The person intends to operate or be a passenger on a personal watercraft. 
• The person intends to participate in white-water paddling activities. 

How To Choose the Right Lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device for You

When worn correctly, a lifejacket or PFD offers protection against drowning in the event your boat capsizes, or you find yourself unexpectedly immersed in cold water. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a lifejacket or PFD that is most suitable for you and your needs: 

• Is it a Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD? 
  • The lifejacket or PFD should have a label stating that it was approved by Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, or Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 
• Are you a strong swimmer? 
  • If you don’t know how to swim, it’s best to avoid inflatable PFDs altogether. In the event that inflation fails, it might be difficult for you to orally inflate the device using the backup inflation tube. 
  • Canadians who aren’t as confident in their swimming abilities would benefit more from the maximum flotation, high visibility, and self-righting design of an inherently buoyant lifejacket. 
• Which water-related activity would you like to participate in? 
  • There are Canadian-approved PFDs for all kinds of water-related activities. 
• How important is comfort to you? 
  • PFDs tend to be more comfortable and lightweight than lifejackets. If you expect to wear the device for a long time, a PFD might be the best fit for you. 
• What is the weather like? 
  • While Canadian boaters may not be able to control the marine weather, they can certainly prepare for the cold by opting for a lifejacket or PFD with thermal protection. 
• How does the lifejacket or PFD fit you? 
  • All lifejackets and PFDs should feel snug. If it rides up while you’re in the water, it’s most likely too large for you. 
• Is the PFD or lifejacket for a child? 
  • To ensure that the lifejacket is not too big for the child, check to see if it rides up when you lift the device around their shoulders. If there is more than 7.6 cm (3”) between their shoulders and the lifejacket, they probably need a smaller size. 
  • A PFD or lifejacket with safety features such as a whistle, handle, safety strap between the legs, and more padding around the collar would be most suitable for a child. 

Van Isle Marina – Your Safety Matters to Us 

Canadian boaters are legally required to have at least one Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD per person on board their vessel. However, it’s always a good idea to wear your lifejacket rather than just have it on hand. 

Whether you’re a new or experienced boater, one of the best ways to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience is to invest in a good Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD. 

If you want help in finding the right one, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Van Isle Marina would be happy to help you. Our full-service marina, located in Sidney, BC, offers numerous amenities including a marine store that carries a wide variety of boating equipment. Feel free to contact our friendly staff to find out more about our marina services and amenities.

What You Need to Know About Fishing for Halibut

If you enjoy fishing, chances are you have dreamed about heading out onto the ocean to try your hand at Pacific Halibut fishing. The waters around Vancouver Island are home to halibut all year round, with abundance during the spring and summer months, making the area a great choice for halibut fishing in B.C.

Fishing for halibut requires a slightly different approach than for other fish species, but once you know the tricks, tips, and equipment required, you’ll be all set for a successful catch.

Where and When to Fish for Pacific Halibut

Pacific Halibut are the largest species of flatfish on the West Coast of Canada. They have a distinctive diamond shape with a white underbelly that makes them easily recognisable.

While the most commonly caught halibut tend to be in the 10 to 50 pound range, they can grow up to 400 pounds and 8 feet long – that would take some hauling in!

Pacific Halibut live mainly on the deep ocean floor, or on shelves at the edge of underwater plateaus. They are bottom feeders, so anglers must target these areas to be successful.

Good locations to fish for halibut around Vancouver Island include:

• Victoria and the southern Juan de Fuca Strait
• The entire West Coast, from Port Renfrew to Quatsino Sound, especially the Clayoquot Sound and Tofino area
• The northern tip of the island from Cape Scott to Port Hardy

Pacific Halibut do not have a migratory cycle, which means they are around throughout the year; however, spring and summer are the best times to fish for them as the weather conditions and temperatures make for a more enjoyable experience.

What Equipment Do I Need for Halibut Fishing?

Where Pacific Halibut live and how they prefer to eat means anglers need some specific equipment. Follow this checklist to make sure you have all the right equipment to make your next halibut fishing trip in B.C. a successful one.

• Rod and Reel: If you will be regularly fishing for halibut, invest in a halibut rod. These are 6 to 7 feet in length, strong, balanced and lightweight, enabling them to withstand the heavy weight and powerful pull of the halibut. A reel with a large handle will make the long reel-in easier and more comfortable.
• Line: Because Pacific Halibut can live 200 to 300 feet underwater, a long and strong line such as an 800 foot long, 60 to 80 pound braided nylon, is essential.
• Hooks and weights: A common halibut rig setup includes a large hook with a hoochie or other attractor, tied to one end of a spreader with strong line. A circular weight is attached to the other end of the spreader to ensure the bait stays on the ocean floor.
• Bait: Halibut use sight and scent to find their food, so aim to create a strong scent trail with live bait. Fresh octopus, herring, crab or cod are good bait options that halibut are attracted to.
• Halibut Spear: Not essential, but a spear will help to bring the halibut in at the surface of the water, before it is able to wriggle off the hook.

Consult your local fishing equipment expert for more information and advice on setting up your halibut fishing rig.

Tips and Tricks for Successful Halibut Fishing

Consider these additional tips and tricks to help you have a successful halibut fishing trip:

• Check your marine charts and depth finder to locate plateaus where halibut are likely to be found.
• Review catch limits and closure notices for the area you are fishing in. Current catch limits on the British Columbia coast for halibut are either one measuring 90 cm to 133 cm in length (head on), or two each measuring under 90 cm in length (head on).
• To attract halibut to your bait, lift and drop the weight regularly to distribute the scent and send out seafloor vibrations.
• Bright teasers or beads will attract halibut to your bait.

Caught a Halibut? Here’s a Tasty Recipe to Try.

Congratulations, your halibut fishing trip was a success and now you have a beautiful fresh fish to serve up for dinner. If you know how to fillet a halibut, you will be able to get the maximum meat from your fish and cook and eat it fresh, or flash freeze it for another day.

The quickest and simplest way to enjoy fresh halibut is pan-fried. This method is easy enough to do right in your yacht’s galley so you can enjoy your haul the same day you caught it.

Pan Seared Pacific Halibut with Lemon Butter Sauce

• 4-6 Halibut fillets
• 2tbsp Olive Oil
• ½ cup butter
• 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic (fresh or powdered), paprika, fresh herbs – optional and to taste

Method:

1. Pat halibut fillets with paper towel to dry them off
2. Season with salt and pepper and other seasonings of your choice
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet, once hot lay halibut fillets in pan
4. Allow filets to sear without moving or turning for 3-4 minutes (this prevents the fish from falling apart when you turn it)
5. Flip fillets and cook for additional 2-3 minutes
6. Remove fish from pan and keep warm
7. Reduce the pan to medium heat. Add butter, allow to melt and cook until light brown
8. Add juice of 1 lemon and simmer until liquid is reduced by half
9. Serve halibut fillets drizzled with lemon butter sauce sprinkled with your choice of fresh herbs
10. Serve with steamed veggies or a crisp salad

Prefer something different? Choose from this list of 10 quick and delicious halibut recipes.

Go Halibut Fishing in a New Yacht from Van Isle Marina

Van Isle Marina is ideally placed to be your base for a halibut fishing trip. Located in Sidney, B.C. on the southeastern corner of Vancouver Island, many halibut fishing grounds are within easy reach of our full-service marina for a single or multi-day trip.

Need a new yacht to access those halibut fishing hotspots? Our knowledgeable yacht sales team can find you the perfect vessel with room to pull in a big fish. Contact us today for more information.

Technology Can Make Boat Ownership Easier Than Ever

Technology and the Internet of Things impacts every aspect of our lives, home, car and lifestyles. So, it is somewhat inevitable that demand for this type of connectivity would eventually reach the boating world too.

Boat owners are beginning to turn to smart technology on their vessels to monitor, track, protect and enhance their boating experiences. Today’s top technologies allow you to connect with and monitor your boat and its systems while you are away. It also allows you to receive up-to-the-minute information while on the water for things such as bilge level alarms or important weather updates.

Boat manufacturers recognize the interest in this kind of technology. As a result, more boats are now being created with smart technology built in. Just recently, Yamaha purchased one of the front runners in boating connectivity devices, Siren Marine, with the intention of integrating its products on all their vessels moving forward.

So, what exactly is connected boating and what does it offer boat owners?

What is Connected Boating?

Connected Boating is the overarching term for the use of smart technologies to enhance boat ownership and boating experiences. 

Just like in other areas of our lives, the boating industry and boat owners are turning to smart technology and connected devices to improve security, monitor systems and offer real-time updates and alerts.

Specific devices or entire systems can be added to vessels that use sensors to collect data which is then sent to an information hub or cloud, using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or even satellite technology. 

This information is instantly and continuously analyzed. The information is sent back to the owner via an app subscription, downloaded onto their smartphone or tablet. In many cases, the owner is able to control and manage devices and switches directly from these apps as well.

How Can Smart Technology Enhance My Boating Experience?

All boat owners will know the worry of leaving your vessel unattended. Even in secure and safe marinas, issues such as electrical failures, drained batteries, water intrusion or fire could occur. 

Smart monitoring devices and systems can give you peace of mind by providing you with information about your vessel even when you are not near it.

A simple connected boating system for your yacht will usually include or have options for:

• Positional monitoring and alerts (GPS tracking)
• Bilge level alarms
• Smoke / fire alarms
• Battery level monitoring
• Tilt warnings
• Security / intruder alarms
• Temperature sensors
• Loss of shore power alarms

An even more advanced smart technology system may also offer:

• Remote controllability of some functions via phone app including:
  • Thermostat control
  • Ability to turn air conditioning and lights on or off
  • Remote engine start
• Collision alert warnings and automatic avoidance action
• Digital switches – control of main functions of vessel via touch screen
• Automated response to alarms – for example automatic temperature adjustments when senses indicate a change outside set parameters.

What Are the Benefits of Using Smart Systems on My Yacht?

People who love technology gadgets such as home hubs, smart watches and GPS in their vehicles will appreciate having similar devices on their boat.

Installing a system with the capabilities listed above, or buying a yacht which has pre-installed connectivity, brings many benefits, such as:

1. Remote monitoring: If your yacht is unattended most of the time, there are multiple benefits to remote monitoring systems. You can be alerted to early changes, such as a low battery or intake of water early, so you can take action before serious damage is caused or a day on the water is lost.
2. Control from anywhere on the boat: Use the phone app to monitor and control devices and switches from anywhere on your boat, so you don’t have to walk away from your fishing rod to check your fuel gauge.
3. Remote control: Imagine being able to turn the air conditioner on from your cell phone, so your cabin is already cool when you arrive. Imagine being able to double-check that all lights are off (preventing battery drain). Connected boating enables owners to easily interact with and maintain the daily workings of their boats and yachts.
4. Automatic adjustments: As the Internet of Things has developed, smart systems are now able to analyze the data they receive from your devices and systems. For example, the system can identify a problem, such as a drained battery, and automatically take action to solve it, by turning on the engine to recharge the battery. 
5. Reduced insurance costs: Although there is some initial cost to installing a smart system, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, some insurance companies offer reduced rates for connected boats. 
6. Save on maintenance and repairs: Being able to identify and solve issues before they get serious will save in repair bills over the yacht’s lifetime. Some smart systems are even able to monitor and advise when maintenance is required making sure you’re only doing what you need to.

Can I Install Smart Technology on My Yacht?

Although many brand-new yachts now come with smart technology built-in, or the option for it, you don’t have to buy a new boat to benefit from connected boating.

A number of companies are now providing systems, including base, sensors and even in-person monitoring, which you can link to via an app on a smartphone or tablet. These can be installed in any existing boat, even older ones, and you can start benefiting from the connection right away.

Experience Connected Boating with a Smart Yacht From Van Isle Marina

Interested in upgrading to a connected yacht, or installing a smart system to enable your current vessel to be connected? The yacht sales team at Van Isle Marina will be glad to help identify and locate the right solution for your needs.

With complimentary Wi-Fi throughout our Sidney, BC Marina for moored boats and guests, keeping your smart systems connected is easy. 

For more information on purchasing a connected boat

What Does the Marine Weather Forecast Tell You?

A marine weather forecast is so important for yachters and boaters (and their guests) to understand. 

As all boaters know, a sudden change in weather patterns can not just interrupt a day at sea, but it can put your vessel and your guests in danger. Knowing how to interpret the marine weather forecast, both before you set sail and while you are on the water, is vital to avoiding any potentially hazardous weather situations.

Marine Weather Forecasts are different to general weather forecasts, as the predictions include wind and wave information. This information can help you decide if it is safe to set out on your planned boating trip.

What is the Marine Weather Forecast?

In Canada, the Marine Weather Forecast is published by Environment Canada, using observations from ships, weather satellites, weather buoys and lighthouses.

There are three main forecast bulletins issued by Environment Canada, covering a five-day period, which are updated multiple times each day.

• Regular Marine Forecast

This forecast is for the coming 48 hours and includes information about:

• Wind speed in knots
• Wind direction
• Weather conditions
• Precipitation
• Visibility (included if less than 1 nautical mile)
• Moderate or severe freezing spray expectations
• Air temperatures if below 0oC

• Extended Marine Forecast

This forecast is issued for days 3 to 5 and is intended for long term planning purposes. The extended forecast only details anticipated wind conditions.

• Wave Height Forecast

Issued for the coming 48-hour period, this forecast details the anticipated wave height in meters or whether waters are covered in ice.

Additional information is also published as:

• Technical Marine Synopses: Gives a brief overview of the main weather systems in the area.
• Marine Weather Statement: Used in support of the regular marine forecast to provide more detail when significant or hazardous conditions or weather warnings are predicted.

Localized warnings and watches are also issued if one of the following significant conditions is expected:

• Tornado
• Gale
• Squall (Gusts of 34 knots or higher plus thunder)
• Waterspout
• High water levels

As well as being found on the Environment Canada website, marine weather forecasts are also continuously broadcast on VHF radio channel 16 by the Canadian Coast guard.

How to Use the Marine Forecast to Determine if it is Safe to Sail

Reading or listening to the boating weather forecast should always be part of your pre-trip checklist, but that is only useful if you know how to interpret the information within it. 

Here are some key items to be aware of:

Wind: Forecasts state the wind direction using compass descriptions and give the wind speed as an average or a range. When gusts are predicted this indicates winds will increase by 10 or more knots for short durations. As a guide, whitecaps can start to form when winds are over 10 knots.

Waves: Waves will be affected by wind speed and direction as well as tidal currents. Canadian wave forecasts only describe the wave swell which is the distance from crest to trough. When higher swells are combined with short interval times (waves coming closer together) due to high winds, waves can be larger and cause a hazard or danger to smaller vessels.

Weather conditions: Watch forecasts for extreme conditions such as heavy rain, low visibility due to fog and high-water levels as these could obstruct your vision or cover obstacles that are usually above water level. If you are caught on the water in these conditions, ensure you use your radar if your boat is equipped with it, to detect other vessels or objects. 

Ultimately, a combination of the marine forecast, your own observations and experience and the capabilities of your vessel will tell you whether it is safe for you to take your boat onto the ocean. 

Remember to continue to listen to the boating weather forecast while you are on the water. Additional updates will be broadcast if a significant change to predicted weather is expected to occur.

What Should I Do If I Get Caught in Bad Weather at Sea?

Regardless of predictions, the weather can still change suddenly and even the most careful boater can find themselves in an unexpected situation. To avoid extreme weather changes, keep an eye on the horizon at all times to ensure you see major storm systems before they reach you.

 If you do get caught in bad weather on the ocean, remember the following tips:

• Reduce your speed to as low as you can while still making headway
• Ensure everyone aboard is wearing a personal floatation device
• Turn on your running lights
• Head into large waves at a 45-degree angle
• Go to the nearest anchorage or marina
• If you can’t make headway or your engine fails deploy your anchor and make a distress call

Also see our guide to safe boating in poor visibility for more tips on staying safe when visibility is restricted by bad weather or strong winds make it difficult to maneuver your boat.

Tools and Equipment for Weather Monitoring

Keeping track of the marine weather forecast has never been easier thanks to the development of a number of high-tech tools.

A number of smartphone apps are now available for boaters which give up-to-date marine forecasts for the area you are in. This can be particularly useful if you are boating in international waters.

In addition, modern barometers, meters and wireless weather stations can be added to your yacht to ensure a detailed forecast and accurate weather predictions are always available when you are on board.

Get a Yacht Equipped for Weather Monitoring at Van Isle Marina

At Van Isle Marina, our friendly staff are always on hand to give advice on local marine weather conditions. If your original destination is off-limits due to incoming conditions, our staff will gladly make alternative suggestions so you can still enjoy your day. How about lunch at the Waterfront Grill while you wait for the weather to clear?

Looking for a new yacht that has the latest weather tracking technology already installed? Our yacht broker will work with you to find a vessel that ticks all your boxes and has the equipment to provide you with a marine weather forecast too. Contact us today for an appointment with our yacht broker.