Life Jackets and Safety Gear

Federal recreational carriage rules set a baseline. States and local waters may add requirements. Treat USCG-approved gear as the floor, not the ceiling. Companion overview: Safety gear and USCG.

PFDs (life jackets)

• Carry a wearable, USCG-approved PFD for each person aboard; size and type must match the user (adult vs child).
• Wear them when conditions, speed, or crew skill make boarding after a fall unlikely — especially kids, non-swimmers, and at night.
• Check labels: many inflatable PFDs are approved for adults under stated conditions; they are often not approved for children or for some personal watercraft uses.
• Inspect zippers, straps, fabric, and inflation cartridges on a seasonal schedule. Replace damaged gear.

Throwable devices

Boats above common length thresholds must carry a throwable (Type IV or equivalent under current labeling). Keep it immediately available — not buried in a locker under dock lines.

Fire

• Carry extinguishers that meet current USCG recreational standards for your boat’s length and propulsion (standards have been updated — verify labels and expiry / maintenance).
• Know how to cut fuel and electrical sources. A small galley or engine-compartment fire grows fast; practice the first thirty seconds ashore in your head.

Visual distress signals (flares / VDS)

Coastal waters and certain nighttime operations have VDS carriage rules. Check expiry dates. Know day vs night options. Inland lakes may differ — verify for your waters.

Sound and lights

Horn or whistle, and navigation lights from sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility. Test before you need them.

Communications: VHF, phone, EPIRB / PLB

• A fixed or handheld VHF-FM marine radio reaches the Coast Guard and nearby vessels on Channel 16 (hailing / distress) and working channels. Learn basic radio discipline.
• Cell phones help near shore but are not a substitute for VHF offshore or in dead zones.
• EPIRB (vessel) or PLB (personal) beacons are strong choices for offshore or remote trips — register them and know how activation works. They do not replace seamanship or a float plan.

Other practical kit

First-aid kit, anchor suited to your bottom, bilge pump redundancy, CO alarm where enclosed spaces exist, spare kill-switch lanyard, waterproof flashlight, knife, basic tools, and knowledge of your drain plugs and thru-hulls.

FAQs

Are foam and inflatable PFDs interchangeable? Not always — read the USCG approval label for activity and age limits.
How many extinguishers? Depends on boat length and configuration; check current federal tables and your state / insurance expectations.

Advisory only. Confirm carriage requirements for your vessel length, waters, and state before each season.