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There are three advantages to staying on top of the minimum requirements set forth by the Code of Federal Regulations as it pertains to boating:

1. The first, and most obvious advantage is that compliance with the regulations ensures your vessel is outfitted with at least the minimums in terms of safety equipment for boating.
2. The second reason to adhere to regulations is the cost of noncompliance. The average boating safety violation that leads to a citation can cost you anywhere from $30-$150 depending on the agency issuing the citation.
3. The third advantage is to save  yourself the embarrassment and hassle caused by receiving a citation!

A simple way to see where your boat stacks up in terms of regulatory compliance is to request a Vessel Safety Check or VSC. A VSC is a free and voluntary check of your boat and its safety equipment. This check is completed through the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and is performed only with the specific consent of the owner/operator who is present at the time of the examination.

Seasoned boaters often note that law enforcement agencies will at times pass up a boat with a current VSC decal when conducting routine boardings. This allows you to enjoy your day on the water rather than being subject to an inspection while under way.

Before you schedule your Vessel Safety Check, let’s review the minimum safety equipment requirements which are based on the size of your vessel:

Personal Floatation Devices

• <16’*: One (USCG Approved) Type I, II, III, or V per person on board (readily accessible and sized for the user).
• 16’ to 165’: One (USCG Approved) Type I, II, III, or V per person on board plus one Type IV throwable device. Throwable device must be readily accessible.

Fire Extinguishers

No Fixed System

• <16’* to 26’: One B-I any type. Fire extinguishers are required on any boat with enclosed fuel or engine spaces, enclosed living spaces or permanent (not movable by one person) fuel tanks.
• 26’-39.4’: One B-II or two B-I.
• 40’-65’: One B-II and one B-I or three B-I.
• 65’-165’: One to eight B-II (depending on vessel weight) plus additional requirements in spaces with machinery (46CFR25-30.20).

Fixed System

• <16’* to 26’: No portables required
• 26’ to 39.4’: One B-I
• 40’ to 65’: Two B-I or one B-II
• 65’-165’: One to eight B-II (depending on vessel weight) plus additional requirements in spaces with machinery (46CFR25-30.20).

Visual Distress Signals on Coastal Waters

• <16’*: Night signals required when operating between sunset and sunrise.
• 16’-165’: Minimum of three day-use and three night-use or three day/night combination pyrotechnic devices. Non-pyrotechnic substitutes: 1 orange flag (day-use) and 1 electric SOS signal light (night use).

Sound Producing Devices

• <16’* to 39.4’: Horn or whistle recommended to signal intentions or position. Under Rule 33 of Nav Rules, boats <20m must have a means of making an efficient sound.
• 40’-65’: Bell no longer required
• 65’-165’: One bell not less than 300mm for boats larger than 20m and one whistle or horn required to signal intentions or position.

Backfire Flame Arrestors

• <16’*-165’: One (USCG Approved) device on each carburetor of all gas-powered engines built after April 1940 (except outboards). Arrestor should be kept clean to prevent contamination from propagating a flame.

Ventilation

• CG-Standard powered system required on gas-powered vessels with enclosed engine spaces built after April 1980 (Boats built before 1980 must have either natural or powered ventilation in the fuel tank compartment).

Navigation Lights

Under Power

• Side, stern and masthead lights required.
• Boats 16’ and longer must also have a 360° all-around white anchor light capable of being lit independently from the red/green/white running lights.
• Sailboats under power are considered powerboats and must follow the “under power” rules.

Under Sail

• Sidelights and stern light.
• Boats under sail <20m (65.6’) can substitute a tri-color light for separate sidelights and stern lights.
• Sailboats under power are considered powerboats and must follow the “under power” rules.

Rowing

• Sailboats and powerboats <7m (22.9’) long and traveling at <7 knots can substitute a white lantern in place of the required lights.

At Anchor

• 360° all-around white anchor light capable of being visible for 2nm (unless in a chart-designated anchorage.

Visibility Range

• <16’*-26’: 1 nautical mile side lights, 2 nautical miles all other lights
• 26’-65’: 3 nautical miles masthead lights, 2 nautical miles all other lights
• 65’-165’: 5 nautical miles masthead lights, 2 nautical miles all other lights

Pollution Regulations

• <16’*-26’: No plaques required
• 26’-165’: 5” x 8” oil discharge placard and a 4” x 9” MARPOL trash placard. (Vessels over 39.4’ must also have a waste management plan.

Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD)

• <16-65’: Vessels with installed head facilities must have an operable CG-Certified Type I, II, or III MSD. Any “Y” valve installed for overboard discharge must be positioned or affixed in such a manner as to prevent accidental discharge of untreated waste into water.
• 65’-165’: Type II or III MDS only

Navigation Rules (Nav Rules)

• <16’-39.4’: Familiarity with the rules is recommended but not required. Boaters should be familiar with the Rules of the Road for crossing and overtaking situations as well as meeting other vessels head on.
• 39.4’-165’: Required to have aboard a current copy of the USDOT USCG International Inland Navigation Rules.

*To include canoes and kayaks

Summary

While the above list may look look extensive, it has all been put in place to keep you and your crew safe in case of an emergency. Boating stores often have “Coast Guard Packages” which cover most of the basic and will have free handouts, such as this document, which visually explain requirement.

At the end of the day, as long as you are safe and have the required safety equipment you will be fine in the event of a Coast Guard Safety stop. If you have any questions, feel free to contact anyone on the Yachts360 team!