| It's time to head out to the lake or the river for a | | | | Sound Making Device: |
| day of boating and fishing. But what equipment do | | | | Every boating vessel should have a working horn or |
| you need before ever leaving the dock? Here is a list | | | | whistle. Hand-held whistles are fine for small boats, |
| of equipment that is required on board all motorized | | | | but larger ones need a horn or whistle that can be |
| vessels in United States: | | | | heard for at least ½ mile, and can blow for 4 |
| Owner Documents: | | | | seconds. |
| Carry all State registration papers and a photo ID | | | | Navigation Lights: |
| every time you hit the water. | | | | If you're going to be on the water after dark your |
| Personal Floatation Devices (PDF): | | | | boat needs the following lights: |
| Properly sized and fitted Personal Floatation Devices | | | | - A Green Light - showing from dead-ahead to 112.5 |
| (life jackets) are a must for every person on board. | | | | degrees down the starboard (right) side of your |
| Remember: children cannot wear adult PDF's. They | | | | boat. |
| must have (and wear), the correct child-sized life | | | | - A Red Light - showing from dead-ahead to 112.5 |
| jackets to be safe. All vessels 16 ft. and longer must | | | | degrees down the port (left) side of your boat. |
| have at least one life ring or floating cushion on board | | | | - A White Masthead Light - showing through the |
| in case of a drowning emergency. | | | | entire 225 degrees covered by both the Green and |
| Fire Extinguisher: | | | | the Red lights combined. |
| If your boat has an engine in an enclosed space, or a | | | | - A White Stern Light - that shows from dead-astern |
| fuel tank that is in a compartment, the U.S. Coast | | | | to 67.5 degrees on both sides of the stern (a total |
| Guard requires a fire extinguisher be on board. Double | | | | area of 135 degrees). |
| check to make sure the expiration date is still valid, | | | | Make sure you always do a safety inspection of all |
| otherwise it might not work in an emergency. | | | | of these must-have accessories to make sure they |
| Visual Distress Signals: | | | | are in good working order before heading out to the |
| Always carry some sort of visual distress signals -- | | | | water. Otherwise you may find yourself in deep |
| red flares, universal distress flags, orange smoke, etc. | | | | water with the authorities, and headed back to shore |
| - that are current and working. | | | | with a hefty fine to pay. |