Along with the Coast Guard PFD requirements already mentioned, most states require additional safety equipment on board boating vessels. Again, reference your specific state’s boating laws to determine exactly what equipment is legally required, but the list is likely to include some combination of the following.
Navigation lights can be either built into the boat or can just be a simple handheld flashlight for smaller boats. They are typically required from sunset to sunrise or during any period of low visibility, i.e., fog. However, if you’re only sailing during the day, and the weather is nice, you won’t have to be too concerned with lights.
Some type of sound signaling device may be required as well. Specific requirements for the type of device usually depend on size of boat.
Carrying some form of visual distress signal may also be required. As with sound signally devices, visual distress signals vary widely in terms of sophistication, from a flags to a signal flares. The type of signal required is usually dependent on how far away from the coast you’ll be sailing and the size of your boat.
If you’re boat has a motor, a fire extinguisher should be on board, as is usually required by law, particularly with inboard motors. The fire extinguisher can be a handheld unit like you may have in your home, or often it is some sort of system that’s built into the motor housing.
Other motor equipment such as a backfire flame arrestor, a muffling system, a ventilation system can also be required. Fortunately most motors meet these requirements by design, so it’s not something you have to worry about.
If you are chartering a boat, all legally required safety equipment should be provided by the charter company, but you should always take inventory prior to casting off.
USCG Required Equipment
