What does the Marine Safety Act require for a legally working boat?

The Marine Safety Act mandates that a legally working boat must possess a sound signaling device. This requirement is in place to ensure safety on the water, as sound signals are crucial for communication between vessels, especially in instances where visibility is diminished due to fog or other obstructions. The ability to signal intent or warn other boats can prevent collisions and ensure safer navigation for all vessels.

While other safety measures, such as having a GPS device or a brightly colored exterior, may enhance safety or visibility, they are not explicitly mandated by the Marine Safety Act as essential for a boat's legal operation. Similarly, a canopy cover, while it can provide some protection from the elements, does not address the critical need for communication and signaling on the water that the sound signaling device fulfills.