Bringing boat safety equipment when you set sail is both a good idea and a requirement of federal law. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) mandates a specific list of things you need on a boat by law. Many states expand on that list with additional requirements. No matter where you live, make sure you know about important boating accessories, for both your safety and comfort. It’s also a good idea to review your safety checklist as part of your regular boat maintenance. Learn more about the USCG’s requirements for recreational boats.
Boat safety equipment checklist
Federal laws mandate different kinds or amounts of boat safety equipment depending on the size of the boat. However, all boats need to have the following boat equipment.
Life jackets
Each person on board must have an appropriate life jacket (also called wearable personal flotation devices, or PFDs). If you have children aboard, you’re required to have children’s life jackets. Jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and in good condition. Types I, II, III, are all acceptable. Type V “special use” devices may be acceptable if worn in the circumstances they were designed for. Learn more about life jacket safety requirements and rules for life jackets on boats.
Throwable flotation devices
In addition to one wearable PFD per person on board, all boats must carry at least one Type IV PFD. Type IV devices are meant to be thrown to a person in the water, but they are not a substitute for a life jacket.
Fire extinguishers
As of April 20, 2022, a new mandate replaces B-I extinguishers with 5-B and B-II extinguishers with 10-B. The age and size of your boat will dictate the number and type of fire extinguishers you need. Nearly all boats must carry at least one 5-B or 10-B fire extinguisher. The only exception is for boats less than 26 feet long with a USCG-approved fixed fire extinguisher system that protects the engine compartment. Boats under 26 feet without a fixed system must carry at least one 5-B or 10-B fire extinguisher.
Other requirements include:
- Boats from 2018 and later must use 5-B and 10-B fire extinguishers, even if your old extinguishers aren’t expired.
- Boats from 2017 and older can still use B-I and B-II extinguishers, if they are still serviceable.
- Expired extinguishers, even on boats 2017 and older, must be replaced with 5-B and 10-B extinguishers. Fire extinguishers more than 12 years old should also be replaced with the new types of fire extinguishers.
- Boats 26-40 feet in length must have two 5-B extinguishers or one 10-B extinguisher. If you have a fixed system installed, you only need one 5-B extinguisher.
- Boats 40-65 feet in length need three 5-B extinguishers or both a 5-B and a 10-B extinguisher. As with other size classes, an installed fixed system extinguisher reduces the requirement by one 5-B extinguisher.
You can find the requirements in a table from the USCG. If you’re unsure whether you need to replace your extinguishers, see the Boat U.S. Foundation flow chart for more information.
Visual distress signals
All recreational boats need to carry USCG-approved nighttime distress signals. Boats larger than 16 feet need signals for both day and nighttime use unless they are participating in an organized event such as a race, are open sailboats less than 26 feet long with no propulsion machinery, or are manually propelled boats of any length.
Signals are divided into pyrotechnic (flare/smoke signal) and non-pyrotechnic (distress flag and electric distress signal). Pyrotechnic devices must be carried in sufficient quantities – three suitable for day and three suitable for night with combination day/night signals counting toward both requirements. Learn more about distress signal requirements.
Sound signaling devices
Federal boating regulations require vessels 39.4 feet or less in length must be equipped with a whistle, handheld air horn, installed horn or other “efficient sound signal.” Vessels longer than 39.4 feet need a sound-producing device that can be audible for one mile and last for four to six seconds.
Navigation lights
All recreational vessels must display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise. Navigation light rules vary depending on the size and type of boat. Consult the USCG Navigation Rules or other USCG materials to see the requirements for your boat.
Other things you need on a boat
Beyond the boat safety equipment mentioned in the checklist, the law also requires you to carry your boat’s Certificate of Number when the boat is in use and defines minimum ventilation requirements, depending on the boat’s age and construction.
In general, these standards require at least two ventilator ducts in every closed engine or fuel tank compartment on boats that use gasoline or highly flammable fuels. Some boats will need powered ventilation if they contain a cranking motor. The details vary by model year, so consult the U.S. Coast Guard Safety Circular to see the requirements for your specific boat. If you’re unsure whether your ventilation system is up to standard, consider a boat survey to ensure your vessel is in safe operating condition.
Some states require more safety equipment than these federally mandated minimums, so check the requirements of the state where your boat is registered as well as those of any states to which you plan to travel.
Finally, though they aren’t things that you need on a boat by law, the following boat safety and backup equipment can be good to have on hand.
- VHF radio and cell phone to call for help if necessary.
- First aid kit that is well stocked and suitable for the number of people on board.
- Extra dock lines for tying up.
- Manual bailing service to remove water in case of a leak.
- Waterproof flashlight in case you need extra light or have a loss of power.
- Tool kit to perform basic repairs as necessary.
