Required Safety Equipment

Every recreational vessel must carry specific USCG-approved safety equipment. Here's what you need before you leave the dock.

Life Jackets (PFDs)

The law requires one wearable PFD for every person aboard. Children under 13 must wear one at all times on moving vessels in most states.

Types:

• •Type I (Offshore) — Most buoyancy, turns unconscious wearers face-up. Required on offshore voyages.
• •Type II (Near-shore) — Adequate for calm inland waters, may turn unconscious wearer face-up.
• •Type III (Flotation Aid) — Most comfortable, designed for conscious wearers in calm water.
• •Type V (Special Use) — Inflatable vests, kayak vests — check the label for when they count.

Vessels 16 ft and over also need one Type IV throwable (ring buoy or cushion).

Fire Extinguishers

Required on vessels with enclosed fuel compartments or inboard engines. Must be Coast Guard–approved Type B. Keep them accessible and check the gauge annually.

• •Under 26 ft: one B-I extinguisher
• •26–40 ft: two B-I or one B-II

Visual Distress Signals

Required on coastal and Great Lakes waters for vessels 16 ft and over. Must be unexpired. Orange smoke and red flares are most common. A white electric torch or laser flare may substitute for night signals.

Sound-Producing Device

A horn or whistle is required to signal your intentions and position in reduced visibility. Vessels over 39 ft must also carry a bell.

Navigation Lights

Required when operating between sunset and sunrise or in restricted visibility. Know your running light configuration and have a backup flashlight aboard.

Bottom line: Before your first trip, walk through this list. An inoperable fire extinguisher or expired flares won't help you in an emergency.