Vessels 16 to 26 feet (Class I)

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• One U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable (Type or Level) PFD – used in accordance with the USCG-approval label - for each person on board or being towed on water skis, etc. In addition, one throwable (Type IV) device is also required to be on board.
• The PFD must be:
  • USCG-approved.
  • In serviceable condition.
  • Properly stored so it is readily accessible.

NOTE: A Type V may be substituted for any Type I, II or III device but it must be used in accordance with the USCG-approval label.

• Class I: Every person on board under the age of 6 must wear an USCG-approved wearable (Type or Level) PFD – used in accordance with the USCG approval label – while the vessel is underway. Underway means at all times except when a vessel is anchored, moored, made fast to the shore or aground.
• Water Skier: Every person skiing or aquaplaning must wear a USCG- approved wearable (Type or Level) PFD – used in accordance with the USCG-approval label. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited.  

• To understand the legal requirements for a specific PFD/Life Jacket, you must read the USCG-approval label on that PFD/Life Jacket. 

Fire Extinguisher

• Must be:
  • USCG-approved.
  • In serviceable condition.
• One USCG-approved 5-B (B-I) type fire extinguisher is required for all recreational motorboats except outboard-powered motorboats less than 26 feet long if constructed in a manner that will not allow gas fumes to accumulate. If your boat has a built-in fuel tank, an inboard engine, compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored, or open areas between the hull and deck where flammable or explosive gases could accumulate, you must carry a fire extinguisher. Non-motorized boats are exempt from the fire extinguisher requirements.

NOTE: When an approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in the machinery space(s), it may be counted in the place of one 5-B (B-I) type hand-held portable fire extinguisher. Some fire extinguishers require specific mounting brackets for approval. Read the label on your fire extinguisher for this information.

• See the USCG FAQs regarding recent fire extinguisher changes.

Visual Distress Signal

• Required on the high sea and coastal waters only.
• Must carry visual distress signal for both day and nighttime use.

NOTE: Coastal waters means the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, and all bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, inlets, etc. where any entrance is over 2 miles wide to the first point where the distance between shorelines narrows to 2 miles.

Sound-producing Device 

• Bell, horn, whistle, etc.
• Every vessel less than 12 meters (39.4 ft) in length must carry an efficient sound-producing device. The sound-producing device need not meet any particular specifications, as long as the vessel can produce signals required by the navigational rules.

Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS)

• A person operating a personal watercraft (PWC) equipped with a lanyard-type engine cut-off switch (ECOS) must attach the lanyard to their person, clothing or their PFD/Life jacket as appropriate for the specific PWC.
• The operator of a vessel used in the instruction of a water sport or activity must use an ECOS and wear an operative link to the cut-off switch when a person participating in the water sport or activity is in the water.
• In April 2021, a new federal law went into effect regarding the use of ECOS on “Navigable Waters of the U.S.”  Although there is not currently a similar state law for state and local agencies to enforce, boaters should be aware of this law. 
• Find more information about federal ECOS laws.

Backfire Flame Control

• An effective means of controlling backfire flame of all gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors.
• Backfire flame arrestors must be USCG approved.

Ventilation

• Boats Built Prior to Aug. 1, 1980
  • At least two ventilator ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent for the purpose of properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of every closed engine and fuel -tank compartment of boats constructed or decked over after April 25, 1940, using gasoline as fuel or other fuels having a flash point of 110 degrees or less.
• Boats Built After Aug. 1, 1980
  • At least two ventilator ducts for the purpose of efficiently ventilating every closed compartment that contains a gasoline engine and every closed compartment containing a gasoline tank, except for those having permanently installed tanks which vent outside the boat and contain no unprotected electrical devices. Also, engine compartments containing a gasoline engine having a cranking motor must contain power operated exhaust blowers which can be controlled from the instrument panel.

Vessel Lighting

• Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc.). The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules specify lighting requirements for every description of watercraft. The information provided is for vessels less than 65.5 feet/20 meters in length.
• Review USCG Navigation Rules 20 through 25 for the requirements for your type of vessel.

Recommendations

• We further suggest you equip your vessel with an anchor and a sufficient amount of anchor line; a de-watering device, such as a bilge pump in the event of flooding; and an oar, paddle or other alternative means of propulsion in case your engine fails.