Required Boating Safety Equipment

Life Jackets

A properly fitting and serviceable jacket for every person on board.

Fire Extinguisher

It must be a Coast Guard-approved B1 model.

Throwable

Boats over 16 feet must carry a throwable device.

Signaling Device

A bell, whistle, or horn to warn other boaters.

Visual Distress Signal

For boats under 16 feet, this is required only at night; for boats over 16 feet, this is required both day and night. Different rules apply on small bodies of water, but it's always wise to carry them.

BoatUS Recommends You Should Also Carry These Items

• Flashlight
• Anchor
• VHF Radio
• Bailer
• Oars/Paddles
• First-Aid Kit
• Extra Fuel/Water
• Tool Kit
• Sun Protection
• Cell Phone

BoatUS sponsors the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Power Squadrons voluntary Vessel Safety Checks. For more info, cgaux.org/vsc