Whether it’s your first time boating or you’ve been at it for years, it never hurts to have a good checklist of your boat safety equipment. To help make sure you have the required gear (along with some other items that can be crucial for handling emergency situations) we’ve outlined everything you need for a successful day on the water including safety equipment, emergency gear, communication devices, navigation equipment, and vessel systems.
Essential Safety Equipment
Life Jackets and PFDs
The Coast Guard requires one wearable PFD (Type I, II, or III) for each person aboard. This law exists because when boating accidents occur, having immediate access to a life jacket dramatically increases survival chances. In fact, 84% of drowning victims weren’t wearing one. Kids under 12 must wear them whenever the boat is moving, and everyone on personal watercraft must wear them at all times. They must be readily accessible, in good condition, and properly sized for the intended user. Keep them out of packaging and don’t stow them under other gear.
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Throwable PFDs
For boats 16 feet and over, at least one throwable device (Type IV) is required. This can be a cushion or ring buoy that you can quickly throw to someone in the water. The law requires these because they provide immediate assistance to someone who’s fallen overboard, giving rescuers valuable time to maneuver the boat for retrieval. Keep throwables near the helm for quick access, and if possible, attach a floating line to help pull someone back to the boat.
Read more >>> Different Types of Life Jacket
Optional
- First Aid Kit
- Trauma Kit
- Blood kit
- Tool Kit
- Waterproof Flashlight
- Bucket/bailer
- Sunscreen
- Oar or paddle
- Wood plugs
- Anchor with sufficient rode and line
- Knife to cut tangled line
- Snorkel mask
- Ditch bag
Emergency Gear
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are mandatory for boats with enclosed engine spaces, permanent fuel tanks, or enclosed living spaces. Boats under 26 feet need one B-1 type extinguisher. Boats 26-40 feet need two B-1 types or one B-2 type. The requirement exists because boat fires can escalate quickly with few escape options. Train everyone aboard on proper usage: pull the pin, aim at the base of flames, squeeze the handle.
This fire extinguisher will put out common marine fires, is engineered using durable aluminum and stainless steel components to resist corrosion, and comes with a limited 6 year warranty.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no cost to you.
Communication
Visual Distress Signals
The Coast Guard requires boats over 16 feet to carry visual signals for both day and night use. This includes options like flares, smoke signals, or electric distress lights. The requirement ensures you can signal for help in various conditions. Signals must be current (within 42 months of manufacture) and readily accessible. Different requirements apply based on boat size and operating times.
Sound Device
Every vessel must have a sound-producing device to signal intentions and alert other boats in reduced visibility. For boats under 39.4 feet, a whistle or horn suffices. Boats over 39.4 feet also need a bell. This requirement helps prevent collisions and communicate emergency situations, especially in fog or at night.
Optional
- VHF
- Handheld VHF
- EPIRB
Navigation
Navigation Lights
Navigation lights are required between sunset and sunrise or in reduced visibility. The specific configuration depends on your boat type and size. This requirement ensures other vessels can determine your position and direction of travel at night or in poor visibility, helping prevent collisions.
Vessel Systems
Ventilation System
Required for boats with enclosed engine compartments using gasoline. The system must include both intake and exhaust ducts. This requirement prevents the accumulation of explosive fuel vapors in enclosed spaces, reducing fire and explosion risks.
Backfire Flame Arrestor
Required on all inboard gasoline engines. This device prevents engine backfire from causing an explosion by containing and cooling any flames. It must be Coast Guard approved or meet UL 1111 or SAE J1928 standards.
Engine Cut-off Switch
Required for boats under 26 feet when underway. This device stops the engine if the operator falls overboard, preventing the boat from continuing under power without control. The law took effect in April 2021 to reduce runaway vessel accidents.
Optional
- Extra bilge pump with hose and wiring
- Additional parts (hose clamps, fuses, wiring)
Where To Buy Boat Safety Equipment
When it comes to purchasing this gear, we recommend supporting your local marine supply store whenever possible- they are important community centers for boaters, and chances are the staff will be knowledgeable and helpful. That said, we do a lot of our equipment shopping at West Marine which, has over 240 stores nationwide and an excellent inventory both in store and online. Another good option is WholesaleMarine.com, which offers free shipping on orders over $99 and a generous 90 day return policy. For cheaper items and those who need equipment quickly, it’s hard to beat Amazon for the sheer volume of boating equipment options. It’s also worth checking if there’s a local consignment shop near you – buying second hand doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing quality, and you can help keep equipment out of landfills by giving it another life.
