The U.S. Coast Guard`s minimum requirements are just that: the minimum requirement. We recommend that you exceed these requirements whenever possible. There is nothing wrong with carrying more PFDs than necessary or equipping more visual distress signals than the rulebook says. Whether you use your boat for fishing, wakesurfing, skiing, scuba diving, day cruises or overnight cruises, don`t forget to pack the necessary safety equipment. If you have it on board, check it regularly and keep it in good condition. Although the U.S. Coast Guard requires different items for different types and sizes of vessels, there are some basic equipment that will help you protect yourself and avoid problems with authorities. For federal requirements and safety tips, see the Recreational Craft`s Guide to Federal Recreational Craft Requirements. Depending on the type of navigation you do and where you do it, some of them may be necessary or simply recommended.
Either way, you can pack most of them aboard the smaller boats. 33% of vessels requesting a free Coast Guard Safety Inspection Auxiliary do not have a VHF radio. A VHF radio is an important safety feature that all boaters should carry with them for routine communications with other vessels and digital selective calls in case of emergency. DSC is like 911 for your boat, better yet, because rescuers have the technology to determine exactly who and where you are, and sometimes the exact nature of your emergency. But for the DSC to work, boaters need three things: a VHF equipped with a DSC, a connection to a GPS receiver (to determine your location so rescuers can find you) and sign up for a free MMSI number (so they know who you are). Press a red button on your radio and it will automatically send an emergency message to everyone within range of the radio. For more information on how FM radios help in an emergency, check out our West Advisor article on a Mayday call on your FM radio. How many FAMILY MEMBERS can we have on our 20 foot boat? Boat says for sure 7 people. We are simply concerned about COVID regulations.
No boat should leave the marina without a convenient communication device. While some boaters are confident enough to navigate with just a cell phone, a portable VHF radio will be much more useful in an emergency. Recreational craft must be equipped with Coast Guard-approved individual buoyancy aids in good operational condition and of adequate dimensions for the intended user. Portable PFDs must be easily accessible, not stored in pockets, locked or closed compartments, or stored on other devices. Disposable devices must be ready for use immediately. A Type I, II, III or V PFD must be towed for each person on board or on water skis, etc., PLUS a Type IV throwing device must be provided. Type IV disposable PFDs can no longer be replaced by portable PFDs on vessels under 16 feet. State laws regarding mandatory PFD wearing may vary. All vessels over 40 feet must carry an up-to-date copy of ISDOT ISCG International – Inland Navigation Rules. Recreational craft must display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of limited visibility (fog, rain, mist, etc.). The U.S. Coast Guard Rules of Navigation specify lighting requirements for each vessel description.
The information provided applies to vessels under 65.5 feet / 20 meters in length. Note: Check state laws for PFD requirements for children and for certain boats and sports. Federal regulations require states that do not have child lifejacket laws to require youth under the age of 13 to wear an approved PFD when traveling on a pleasure craft, except below deck or in an enclosed cabin. States with existing regulations are not obliged to change their status. Be sure to check your state`s regulations before you leave with children on board. Getting crew members back on board is a challenge, even in the best of conditions. Extensive testing of overboard crew rescue equipment in San Francisco Bay resulted in a clear consensus that one product, the Lifesling, is an excellent device for safely bringing a person back to the boat and on board. The Lifesling2 features a swim collar (a mix of a traditional horseshoe buoy and helicopter rescue sling) with a 125-foot floating landing line.
It can be towed to the victim so that he does not have to swim afterwards, and then used as a sling (with a separate lifting device). The Lifesling Inflatable combines these capabilities with the compactness and throwing ability of a lifeline bag that inflates immediately after hitting the water. For 12.2 m (26 ft to 40 ft) vessels: Two B-I type type portable fire extinguishers or one B-II approved portable fire extinguisher. The ResQLink View floating personal locator beacon has a small digital display confirming that your message has been sent and displays your GPS coordinates in case you need to communicate your location to rescuers via VHF radio. Water temperature: Few environments in the world are as dangerous to humans as cold water. If you are operating your boat in the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes or other cold-water areas, bring equipment that will protect you and your crew from hypothermia. This is the current U.S. Coast Guard list of minimum safety requirements for pleasure craft up to 65 feet (19 .8m in size).
These requirements describe the vessel safety equipment that must be on board and the other necessary features that must be installed to comply with federal laws. Vessels constructed on or after 01.08.1980: At least two ventilation ducts capable of effectively ventilating any enclosed space containing a petrol engine and/or petrol tank, except those which have permanently installed tanks which discharge outside the vessel and do not contain unprotected electrical equipment. In addition to the lifejackets you are wearing, you will need at least one floating device (Type IV) that you can throw into the water in case of a person`s problems. It can be a pillow, ring buoy or other device and although only one is needed, it is preferable to have several. Some of these items can come with a line, allowing you to bring a person closer to the boat and then pull them out of the water. Lifesling2 is the most used method to bring a crew member back to the sea aboard your boat. For vessels less than 4.9 m (16 feet): They must be equipped with visual distress signals approved for night use. At least two air ducts for effective ventilation of any confined space containing a gasoline engine and fuel for each confined space containing a petrol tank, except those in which permanently installed tanks outside the vessel are ventilated and do not contain unprotected electrical equipment. In addition, engine compartments containing a petrol engine with a starting engine shall be equipped with electrically operated exhaust fans which can be controlled from the instrument panel. At least one Coast Guard-approved B-1 portable fire extinguisher. Not required on board outboard motorboats less than 26 feet in length that do not carry passengers for rent, if the construction of such motorboats does not permit the containment of explosive or flammable gases or vapours and if fuel tanks are not permanently installed. For all vessels less than 65.6 ft (20 m): Every vessel less than 20 m (65.6 ft.) in length must be equipped with an effective sound generating device.
If you`re on the water after dark, you`ll need navigation lights to keep your boat running legally and safely. The lights you need depend on the size of your vessel and our West Advisor article on navigation light rules will tell you which lights you need. From 1 April 2021, operators of vessels with a length of less than 26 vessels (in most cases) will have to use an emergency stop (ECOS). An explanation of this law can be found under Connect – It`s the Law! These visual distress signal requirements apply only to coastal waters, the Great Lakes and U.S.-owned vessels on the high seas. Removal of assistance: If your cruise itinerary includes the coast of Mexico, Bermuda, or a trip to Hawaii, you`re away from the convenience of your local water supply company and far from the safety of the U.S. Coast Guard. The need to be self-sufficient is rapidly receding from U.S. inland and coastal waters. U.S.
Coast Guard regulations are designed to keep you safe on the water. The safety equipment you need to take with you depends on the size of your vessel. This article describes exactly what you need to meet Coast Guard requirements. Find below the area to which your boat belongs to determine the safety equipment you need to carry. Note that these are minimum requirements. We`ll discuss additional safety measures you can take to protect yourself and your crew on the water.