ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Whistle, Horn, and Bell (Signaling Devices)

The navigation rules require sound signals to be made under certain circumstances. Meeting, crossing and overtaking situations described in the Navigation Rules section are examples of when sound signals are required. Recreational vessels are also required to sound signals during periods of reduced visibility. Vessels 39.4 feet/12 meters or more in length are required to carry on board a whistle or horn. The requirement to carry a bell in international waters was recently dropped. Any vessel less than 39.4 feet/12 meters in length may carry a whistle or horn, or some other means to make an efficient sound signal to signal your intentions and to signal your position in periods of reduced visibility.

Safety Equipment Requirements

Except as provided in this section, it shall be the responsibility of the operator of the watercraft to ensure that all required safety equipment is aboard the watercraft during operation. If the owner of the watercraft is aboard the watercraft during operation, it shall be the responsibility of the owner and not the operator to ensure that all required safety equipment is aboard the watercraft during operation.In the case of rental watercraft, it shall be the responsibility of the rental boat owner to ensure that all required safety equipment is aboard the watercraft at the time the watercraft is rented.