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EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

 

The Federal Safe Boat Act of 1971 established safety equipment requirements for recreational boats. Since 1971, boating fatalities in the United States have dramatically declined (from over 1,700 to less than 700), while boat registrations have dramatically increased!

These requirements are the “core” requirements that ALL boater operators must follow when operating a boat on navigable waters. In addition to the core requirements, your state may have additional requirements.  

Quick Reference Table

Boat Classification

Length of Boat

Must have the following safety equipment:

Class A Boats:

less than 16 feet and all canoes and kayaks

 

  • A U.S. Coast Guard approved, wearable personal flotation device appropriately sized for each person on board. Personal watercraft operators and riders must wear their life jackets
  • At least one U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher of B-1 type or larger (unless the construction of the boat will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors.)
  • Proper lights displayed when on the water between sunset and sunrise.

Class 1 Boats:

16 feet or longer and less than 26 feet in length, except canoes and kayaks:

  • A U.S. Coast Guard approved, wearable personal flotation device appropriately sized for each person on board.
  • A U.S Coast Guard approved Type IV throwable flotation device (type IV cushion or ring buoy).
  • At least one Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher of B-1 type or larger (unless the construction of the boat will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors.)
  • Proper lights displayed when on the water between sunset and sunrise.
  • A whistle or other sound-producing mechanical device capable of a two-second blast audible for a least one-half mile.

Class 2 Boats:

 

26 feet or less than 40 feet long

 

  • A U.S. Coast Guard approved, wearable personal flotation device appropriately sized for each person on board.
  • A U.S Coast Guard approved Type IV throwable flotation device (type IV cushion or ring buoy).
  • At least two U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers, B-1 type or larger.
  • A whistle or other sound-producing power-operated device capable of a two-second blast audible for a least one mile.
  • Proper lights displayed when on the water between sunset and sunrise.

 

 

Class 3 Boats

40 feet and longer

  • A U.S. Coast Guard approved, wearable personal flotation device appropriately sized for each person on board.
  • A U.S Coast Guard approved Type IV throwable flotation device (type IV cushion or ring buoy).
  • At least one B-2 and one B-1 or three B-1 U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers.
  • A whistle or other sound-producing power-operated device capable of a two-second blast audible for a least one mile.
  • An audible and efficient bell is also required.
  • Proper lights displayed when on the water between sunset and sunrise.

 
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