Boating Basics - Boating Requirements

Boating Education - Boating Requirements

Before you set out for that boating adventure make sure you’ve got everything the law requires. www.BoatersMarineSupply.com believes that boating safety is first and foremost. As they say “ignorance of the law is no excuse.” Knowing and having what is required can prevent the best of days from becoming the worst in your life.

Take five minutes and check out the following Boating Basics.

Brief History

In 1971 the Congress of the United States ordered the U.S. Coast Guard to improve recreational boating safety. In response the U.S Coast Guard created specific federal regulations governing requirements for boats and what is to be on them. In the years that followed state and local governments created regulations (which sometimes exceed the federal regulations).

Boating Requirements:

The following is a summary of what is required for your boat:

Power boats on federal jurisdiction waterways as well as in-land waterways must be registered or documented.
Registration numbers and decals must be displayed on your boat correctly.
Your original registration (certificate of number) must be on-board when in operation. Note: A recreational vessel of five or more net tons may be documented as a yacht. In this case the U.S. Coast Guard isues papers similar to large ships.
Whether or not your boat is documented, registration in the state of principal use is required (except Alaska where U.S Coast Guard issues). If the boat is used on the ocean, a gulf, or similar water, register it in the state where you moor it.
Your boat should have the manufacturers HIN (Hull Identification Numbers) displayed in two locations (starboard side of transom 2” from top and under a cover or plate). Boats without a transom must have it on the starboard side 1’ from stern 1” from the top.
In most cases mono hull boats should have a manufacturer capacity plate installed in plain sight of the operator. Depending on the type of boat and engine type (outboard vs. inboard) the plate will contain Max permitted horsepower, allowable max. weight of people onboard, allowable max. combined weights of people, motors, and gear.
Your boat is required to have the proper engine compartment ventilation.
Navigation lights are required during operation from dusk to dawn. Note: anchor lights are always required when anchored.
Remember a PWC (Personal Water Craft) jet-ski or waverunner, in most cases, must carry an approved fire extinguisher.

Always file a float plan and give it to someone you trust to notify the authorities if you don't arrive at your destination as specified. Of course you don't want to forget to contact the person you gave the float plan to...otherwise you know what will happen.

For more details see: US Coast Guard Auxiliary publication “Boating Skills and Seamanship 1998.” Boaters Marine Supply recommends taking the "Boating Skills and Seamanship" courses offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadron in your area.

On Board Requirements

The following is a summary of what is required on your boat.

A PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is required for every person onboard the boat. The PFDs must be U.S. Coast Guard approved (labeled as such). In many states, the law says you must wear your PFD when underway or when on a PWC (Personal Water Craft) or water skiing, tubing, etc.
Boats over 16 feet must have a throwable PFD (Personal Floatation Device) onboard, and immediately available, in case someone falls overboard.
Every boat needs a working whistle or horn that can be heard at least ½ mile away. Boats over 30 feet have additional requirements. You can attach a whistle to your PFD so that you always have a sound producing device within reach. Make sure it is a whistle that works when it gets wet.
Visual Distress Signals should be carried on all boats operating on coastal waters (the ocean or waters that lead to the ocean), the Great Lakes and waters connected to them up to a point where the body of water is less than 2 miles wide. We recommend every boat carry visual distress signals.

There are day signals and night signals. If you operate at night, you are required to carry night signals. Motor boats less than 16 feet and manually propelled boats are not required to carry signals if they only operate during daylight hours.

Pyrotechnic distress signals, like flares, are a great signal devise but are very dangerous and should only be used if your trained on how to properly use them. Don’t ever shoot them off for fun.

A U.S. Coast Guard approved, marine-type, Class B, fire extinguisher must be carried onboard power boats where it can be quickly and easily accessed. Additional requirements exist for large vessels. Extinguishers are not required on boats that don't have motors.

For more details see: US Coast Guard Auxiliary publication “Boating Skills and Seamanship 1998” or Boaters Marine Supply recommends taking the "Boating Skills and Seamanship" courses offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadron in your area.

Requirements For Small Boats - No Power

If you have a small sail boat, canoe, rowboat or dinghy (under 16 feet with no engine) you are required to have the following:

Required:

At least one PFD (life jacket) for everyone onboard. Always wear your PFD when in your boat.
A whistle or horn. Make sure the whistle is the type that will work if it gets wet. Blowing your whistle for 4 second intervals every minute will let other boaters know where you are. If you find yourself in trouble this is a recognized help signal, so only use it when you really need help.

Recommended:

A flashlight - you may need it so that other boats can see you or if you need to signal in the dark.
Two oars that are secured with oar locks or rope to stay in the boat if it tips.
A bailing bucket.
A First Aid kit.
A blanket to prevent hypothermia if you get wet and cold.
Two ropes to tie up the boat and also to help a person overboard get back onboard.
A mirror or shiny object for daytime signaling.
Ponchos or rain gear.
A plastic bag to keep these items dry and secure.

Before you go anywhere file a float plan and give it to someone you trust. That person will notify the authorities if you don't arrive at your destination as specified. Of course don't forget to contact the person you gave it to when to get to your destination.

Safe Boating

Boaters Marine Supply provides articles on Boating Basics, Boating Requirements, and numerous Boating Education Topics. We utilize numerous resources for our articles like the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, The US Power Squadron, Federal, state and local requirements. Boating Education is extremely important in order to keep up with current boating safety requirements. Boaters Marine Supply also provides educational information related to boating products, Boating accessories, Marine Electronics, and marine products. Boater's Marine Supply was created by boaters, for boaters. We know what boaters want because we are boaters, too.