When you're stuck at work and daydreaming about sunny days on your boat, your mind might wander to the fun toys, water accessories, and other novelty items that are sure to solidify your status as the Mayor of Funtown. However, the foundation of every great boating adventure starts with having the right safety gear. While dropping your hard-earned dollars on safety equipment is certainly less fun, avoiding disaster and being prepared in an emergency is invaluable.
Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a casual boater, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of your boat and its guests. Life jackets, flares, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers aren't just extras; they're imperative items that the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requires you to have on board.
This guide outlines the essential safety equipment every boater should have. We'll cover the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and some expert tips on choosing the best gear for your boat and your adventures. Because the best trips are the ones where you return safely, and the most dramatic thing you witness is someone else’s boat ramp fail.
Personal Flotation Devices
PFDs are mandatory for every single person on board. Here are the main types:
- Type I PFDs are offshore life jackets and are required for boaters and sailors in remote areas in which rescue may be delayed. They provide the highest level of buoyancy and are designed to turn an unconscious wearer face-up in the water.
- Type II PFDs are near-shore buoyancy vests that are meant for calmer inland waters, such as lakes. They can also turn wearers face-up.
- Type III PFDs are flotation aids that are intended for use in calm inland waters in which rescue is likely to be quick. These are the most common and comfortable life vests.
As a quick aside, any boat 16 feet or longer must also carry at least one Type IV throwable flotation device, although it’s a good idea to have several throwable cushions on hand.
Proper fitting is crucial for PFDs to be effective, so ensure they are snug but comfortable, and check them regularly for wear and tear.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are essential for all boats with enclosed engine compartments, living spaces, or permanent fuel tanks. While boats with outboard engines aren’t required to have one, it's highly recommended to keep a compact extinguisher onboard.
Coast Guard-approved extinguishers are classified as B-I or B-II and feature marine-specific mounting brackets as well as a label with the USCG’s classification system marking and approval number. The "B" classification indicates their ability to extinguish flaming liquids like oil, gas, and grease. Requirements vary by boat size:
- Boats under 26 feet: One B-I extinguisher
- Boats 26-40 feet: Two B-I extinguishers or one B-II
- Boats 40-65 feet: Three B-I extinguishers or one B-II and one B-I
Having the appropriate fire extinguishers on your boat is a crucial step toward ensuring safety on the water. Regularly check that your equipment is in good working condition and easily accessible.
Sound Producing Devices
The USCG also requires all boats to keep a horn or whistle on board in order to signal your intentions to other boaters. While whistles are great, portable air horns are compact and definitely loud enough to be heard from a distance or in noisy environments.
Remember to always ensure your sound-producing device is accessible and in working condition before heading out.
Visual Distress Signals
Visual distress signals are crucial equipment for ensuring your boat’s safety on the water, as they enable you to signal for help in case of an emergency. For vessels 16 feet or under, night signals are required when operating after dusk. These signals can include flares, distress flags, and electric SOS lights.
For boats over 16 feet, a minimum of three day-use and three night-use pyrotechnic devices (such as flares) are required, all of which must be manufactured within 42 months of the current date. These signals are essential for alerting rescuers to your location and can significantly increase your chances of being found quickly in an emergency.
Additionally, you can substitute one day-use distress flag and one electric SOS night-use signal light for flares. Flares are bright and visible from great distances, while distress flags and electric SOS lights provide a reliable alternative that can be used repeatedly without expiration concerns.
Backfire Flame Arrestor
Any boat with a gasoline-powered engine, whether inboard or outboard, is required to install a backfire flame arrestor device on each carburetor. These safety devices prevent exhaust backfire from igniting and causing an explosion. Ensure that the backfire flame arrestor is Coast Guard-approved and regularly maintained to ensure functionality and safety.
Navigation Lights
For anyone who likes to be on the water after dark, you’re required to run navigation lights from sunset to sunrise so that other boaters can see you and avoid a collision at night. Depending on your boat, you’ll need to have a red nav light on the portside bow, green on the starboard side bow, a white masthead light, and a white stern light.
First Aid Kit
This should be a no-brainer, but bears mentioning, nonetheless. You should carry at least a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and other emergency medical supplies. Ensure it’s stored in a waterproof bag to keep contents dry and usable in case of an emergency.
Boater Safety Tips
Now that you’ve got the right gear and you’re ready to launch, there are three key safety tips to think about before sailing off into the sunset.
Tip #1: If you’re going out for more than the day, consider sharing a “float plan” with friends and family that are ashore. It lets important people know several key points, including a description of your vessel, the number of people aboard and their contact info, your intended destination and route, and the timeframe of the trip. This way, if an emergency happens, someone can tell the Coast Guard how to find you.
Tip #2: Carry paper charts with you in case your chosen navigation app loses service or your device battery dies. While not always 100% accurate due to constantly changing conditions, paper charts are always better than no charts.
Tip #3: Another vital emergency aid to think about investing in, depending on how often and how far you take your boat out, is an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon, or EPIRB. These can be a little pricier than some other essential safety equipment, but in the event of a true emergency in which your marine radio is rendered inoperable, an EPIRB could save your life. It’s a battery-powered locator beacon that is registered to your specific vessel. You can also purchase a Personal Locator Beacon, or PLB, which is worn on your life jacket and registered to a specific person.