i'm new to boating,what do i need to carry to be in compliance with coast guard regulations for a boat under 16 feet? i have life jackets ,airhorn, and vhf radio so far.are there different needs for day and night?
Don't forget a fire exstinguisher. If I were you I would at least take an online boater safety coarse, it will help you a bunch on understanding alot to do with boating.
I echo what has already been said. Check both the state and Coast Guard requirements. They are not always the same. Better to have everything and you won't have to worry about it.
And check into the safety classes. Depending on your age and location, it may even be a requirement to have a safety certificate before you leave shore.
For the types of boats the majority of us operate here, in Canada, you'll need:
Pleasure Craft not over 6 m in Length
(1) Pleasure craft not over 6 m in length shall carry personal protection equipment, boat safety equipment, distress equipment and navigation equipment in accordance with subsections (2) to (5).
(2) Personal protection equipment shall consist of:
(a) one personal flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board; and
(b) one buoyant heaving line of not less than 15 m in length.
(3) Boat safety equipment shall consist of:
(a) either
(i) one manual propelling device, or
(ii) an anchor with not less than 15 m of cable, rope or chain in any combination;
(b) one bailer or one manual water pump fitted with or accompanied by sufficient hose to enable a person using the pump to pump water from the bilge of the vessel over the side of the vessel; and
(c) one Class 5BC fire extinguisher if the pleasure craft is equipped with an inboard engine, a fixed fuel tank of any size, or a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance.
(4) Distress equipment shall consist of:
(a) a watertight flashlight; or
(b) three pyrotechnic distress signals of Type A, B or C.
(5) Navigation equipment shall consist of:
(a) a sound-signalling device or a sound-signalling appliance; and
(b) if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset and before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility, navigation lights that meet the applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations.
Note that I have summarized and simplified these regs... pease refer to the full text before gearing up!
