The U.S. Coast Guard has created a list of the required boat accessories for boating, which they believe to be the minimal equipment and operating requirements as deemed necessary under federal law.

This is the basic federal USCG required list . However, some states might have added other safety equipment/articles, so be sure to research your state’s marine laws and regulations.

Life Jackets and personal flotation devices The USCG requires one approved , Type I, II, III, or V Life jacket or vest for each person aboard. If the vessel has a length of 16 feet or more in length, a throwable floatation device of the type IV – akin to rings are also required. Life jackets must be easily accessible and in good condition and fit the person it is intended for properly. Each state has its specific rules for children’s life jackets.

Fire Extinguishers

For boats with a length of with less than 26 feet it is necessary to have at most one B-1 type Coast Guard approved hand-held fire extinguisher. That’s the minimum. Boats 26 to 40 feet at a time, two B-1 as well as one B-2 style USCG approved extinguishers is required. The boats that range from 40 to 65 feet long should contain three B-1 extinguishers. two B-1 extinguishers and one USCG approved extinguisher for fire. In addition, boats larger than 65 feet require between one and eight (depending on what the vessel’s weight is) B-2 along with a fixed system within the machinery space. Of course, you are able to install a fixed device in any boat of any size, but the requirements for handheld extinguishers for safety in boating is smaller.

Bells and whistles

Every boat below 40 feet has to have an efficient sound producing device such as a horn , or whistle. Boats that are larger than 40 feet are required to include a whistle and bell. The mouth of the bell should be at least 7.87 inches in size and the whistle must be able to be heard by at least half a nautical mile.

Visual Distress Signals

While in Coastal Waters, the Great Lakes and all U.S. owned boat that are in high seas, if less than 16 feet in length are required to carry approved night signals. The larger boats must have three day and three night signals installed onboard.

Ventilation

Boats built prior to 1980 must be equipped with at minimum two ventilation ducts that are capable air-conditioning every closed space with a gasoline engine or tank, other than those equipped with tanks that permanently let air out of the boat and are not protected by electrical devices. Engine compartments containing gasoline engines with a cranking motor must be equipped with exhaust blowers that can be controlled by power through in the control panel.

After 1980, boats are required to include at least two ventilation ducts equipped with cowls (or their equivalent) to serve the purpose of effectively and effectively ventilating areas of the bilges from every closed engine and fuel tank compartment by using gasoline for fuel or other fuels that have a flashpoint of ° or less.

Backfire Flame Arrestor is not needed for motors that are outboard. Other motors are required have one approved device on every carburetor for all gas engines.

  • First aid kit
  • VHF radio
  • Extra fuel & water
  • Tool kit
  • Sun protection
  • A bucket that can be used as bailer
  • Oars or paddles

An Anchor with enough chain – based on the place you’re boating, typically 5x depth