Safety Gear and USCG Requirements for Recreational Boaters

Federal recreational carriage rules set a minimum. States may add education cards, PFD rules for children, and other requirements—verify your state.

Core federal themes (verify current regs)

• Wearable PFDs for each person; throwables by length thresholds
• Visual distress signals in coastal waters as applicable
• Fire extinguishers by boat length/type (note regulatory updates on extinguisher standards)
• Sound-producing device
• Navigation lights from sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility

Beyond the minimum

VHF radio, first-aid kit, anchor that holds in your bottom type, bilge redundancy, CO alarms, spare kill-switch, flashlight, knife, basic tools, emergency bilge plug knowledge, and a float plan shared ashore.

Kids and guests

Child PFD fit is non-negotiable. Brief guests on life jacket location, man-overboard plan, and where not to step.

Alcohol

Boating under the influence is illegal and devastating. Many states set specific BUI thresholds and penalties.

FAQs

Are inflatable PFDs OK? Many are USCG-approved for adults under conditions—read the label; not always for personal watercraft or children.
Do I need a liferaft? Depends on voyage profile; coastal day boats often prioritize communication + PFDs + local towing; offshore is different.