| Boating is a great sport that can be enjoyed | | | | and are also effective for all types of |
| all year round in most parts of the country. | | | | water. Some flotation devices protect the |
| Taking the boat out on the lake, a river or | | | | wearer from hypothermia, while others are |
| into the ocean is one of America's favorite | | | | meant for sporting activities like skiing, |
| pastimes, full of fun and adventure. However, | | | | sailing and fishing. |
| boating is serious business and any boater | | | | |
| will tell you that you need adequate boating | | | | Another valuable piece of boating equipment |
| equipment to make sure that your outings are | | | | is a fire extinguisher. While many don't |
| as safe as possible, for you and your | | | | think such would be necessary, with so much |
| passengers. | | | | water around, engine fires require a certain |
| | | | type of extinguisher while cushions or |
| Everyone knows that there are a few | | | | interior cabin materials might require |
| essentials of boating equipment, like life | | | | another. Boats more than twenty-six feet long |
| preservers and other personal flotation | | | | are required to have at least one fire |
| devices. But did you know that there's so | | | | extinguisher on board. |
| much more that should be stowed on every | | | | |
| boat? Let's start with the basics. | | | | There are additional requirements for the |
| | | | installation of fire extinguishers on board, |
| The law requires that any passenger under the | | | | so check with state boating regulations to |
| age of 12 must wear a personal flotation | | | | determine what those are before taking your |
| device while on an open boat deck of any | | | | boat out on the water. Another boating |
| kind. When it comes to purchasing personal | | | | equipment must for boats with inboard mounted |
| flotation devices of any kind for your boat, | | | | gasoline engines is a flame arrester that is |
| there are several things to consider. | | | | fitted onto the carburetor for backfire flame |
| | | | control. |
| First, everyone on board must have a | | | | |
| flotation device, child or adult, and those | | | | Again, check your state boating laws to |
| devices must be within easy reach. These | | | | determine whether your boat needs such an |
| flotation devices must be approved by the | | | | adjustment if it doesn't already come with |
| Coast Guard and bear their seal of approval. | | | | one. Also keep in mind that boats with |
| Lastly, these flotation devices must be in | | | | gasoline engine compartments must also be |
| good condition. | | | | properly ventilated. |
| | | | |
| Other kinds of essential boating equipment | | | | A sound device is also a necessary piece of |
| consist of a throw-able flotation device such | | | | boating equipment, most especially for boats |
| as a floating donut or some buoyant item that | | | | that are over thirty-nine feet in length. |
| can be used to keep a person afloat for an | | | | Some sort of distress signal flare gun is |
| unlimited amount of time. Every boat longer | | | | also a good piece of boating equipment to |
| than sixteen feet in length must have one of | | | | have on hand, as is a first aid box and extra |
| these on board or face fines. Ski belts don't | | | | bedding and blankets in case of emergency. |
| count. | | | | Boating is great fun, but can be dangerous if |
| | | | you don't plan properly and carry the right |
| Some flotation devices are designed to turn | | | | kind of boating equipment that ensures the |
| an unconscious person around in the water so | | | | safety of both yourself and your crew or |
| that they are face up instead of face down, | | | | passengers. |