2025 Coast Guard
Rules & regulations
Coast Guard Boat Saftey Requirements
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For safe boating, the U.S. Coast Guard requires all recreational vessels to carry life jackets for each person, visual distress signals, sound-producing devices, and fire extinguishers, among other safety equipment.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the key U.S. Coast Guard boat safety requirements:
Required equipment
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):
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- All recreational vessels must carry one wearable PFD for each person on board.
- Boaters are encouraged to wear their PFDs at all times while underway.
- Boats 16 feet and longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one throwable (Type IV) device.
- Visual Distress Signals (VDS):
- Vessels on federally controlled waters must carry USCG-approved VDSs.
- These signals allow you to summon assistance in an emergency.
- Sound-Producing Devices:
- Boats must have a sound-producing device (bell, horn, whistle, etc.).
- These devices help alert others to your location and can be used in an emergency.
- Fire Extinguishers:
- Marine-type fire extinguishers are required on boats where a fire hazard could be expected from the engines or fuel system.
- Check your fire extinguishers regularly to ensure they are properly charged, stored, and undamaged.
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Also Required
- Backfire Flame Arrestors:
- All powerboats (except outboards) fueled with gasoline must have a Coast Guard-approved backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor.
- These devices prevent fires from engine backfires.
- Ventilation:
- Proper ventilation is vital for keeping hazardous fumes from building up, especially in boats with enclosed spaces or engine compartments.
- The Coast Guard requires ventilation for vessels that utilize gasoline for electrical, mechanical, and propulsion power.
- Navigation Lights:
- Boats must have navigation lights to ensure visibility and prevent collisions.
- Engine Cutoff Switch:
- As of April 2021, the Coast Guard requires the use of an engine cutoff switch on all boats up to 26ft in length, powered by 3 or more HP.
- First Aid Kit:
- A first aid kit is crucial for quickly addressing injuries while on the water.
- Anchor & Sufficient Line:
- While not explicitly required by the Coast Guard, having an anchor and sufficient line is highly recommended for safety.
Additional Saftey Tips
- Wear your life jacket:The Coast Guard estimates that wearing a life jacket could have saved the lives of over 80% of boating fatality victims.
- Be aware of your surroundings:Pay attention to weather conditions, other boats, and potential hazards.
- Know your boat:Understand its capabilities and limitations.
- Take a boating safety course:Learn the basics of safe boating practices.
- Always have a responsible captain:Make sure the person operating the boat is competent and has experience.