Required equipment for vessels 26' to 65'

In addition to the requirements described above, larger boats must also meet these safety guidelines:

Life jackets: In addition to one Type I, II, or III or Hybrid Type V PFD for each person on board or being towed on water skis, must also have one Type IV throwable PFD.

Visual distress signals: Required day and night in these combinations-orange flag with black square and disc (day) plus an SOS electric light (at night); or 3 orange smoke signals (hand-held or floating) (day) plus 3 red flares (hand-held, meteor, or parachute type) (day and night).

In addition to the federally required equipment, it's also smart to have the following items on board:
* VHF radio
* Cell phone
* Spare anchor
* Heaving line
* Fenders
* First aid kit
* Flashlight with extra batteries
* Mirror
* Searchlight
* Sunscreen
* Tool kit
* Ring buoy
* Whistle or horn
* Dewatering device
* Chart and compass
* Boat hook
* Spare propeller
* Mooring line
* Food and water
* Binoculars
* Sunglasses
* Marine hardware
* Extra clothes
* Spare parts
* Alternate propulsion or paddle
* Satellite EPIRBS
* GPS

Taking the right precautions can help you be more prepared to handle any emergencies that come your way.

There are several items that Federal law requires all boaters to carry aboard their vessels.

If you do not have this safety equipment on your boat, you could be subject to stiff fines and penalties.

In addition to checking the list below, you should also consider contacting your local Coast Guard Auxiliary and getting a Complimentary Marine Examination.

This safety check-up is free of charge, and one of the best things about the review is that the standards used are equal to and often exceed Federal requirements.

Required equipment for vessels less than 26' in length

Life jackets (PFDs): One Type I (offshore life jacket), II (near shore buoyant vest), or III (flotation aid designed for sports like water skiing) or Hybrid Type V (special use devices like deck suits and board sailing vests) for each person on board. Hybrid Type V "wearable PFD" must be worn at all times and can only be used in the sport for which it was designed.

Fire extinguishers: At least one B-1 (rated for paper and oil fires) Coast Guard-approved type hand- portable fire extinguisher.

Ventilation: At least two ventilator ducts fitted with cowls for properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of every inboard engine and fuel tank compartment of boats constructed and decked after April 25, 1940 that use gasoline or other fuel with a flashpoint less than 110 degrees. Boats built after July 31, 1980 must have working power blowers.

Whistle, bell, horn: You need any one of these types of devices that can make a sound that can be heard for 1/2 mile.

Backfire flame arrester: One Coast Guard SAE or UL approved device is required on each carburetor of all gas engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors.

Visual distress signals (for coastal waters, Great Lakes, or high seas): Required only when operating at night. Can use an orange flag with black square and disc and an SOS electric light or 3 orange smoke signals (hand-held or floating) and 3 red flares (handheld, meteor, or parachute type).