USCG Safety Equipment Requirements

Minimum federal requirements for recreational vessels in U.S. waters

Note: These are minimum federal requirements. State and local regulations may require additional equipment. Always check local requirements.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Vessel Length	Required PFDs	Type
Under 16 ft	One per person	Type I, II, III, or V
16 ft - 65 ft	One per person PLUS one Type IV throwable	Type I, II, III, or V wearable + Type IV
Over 65 ft	One per person + throwable devices	Coast Guard approved

PFD Types

Type I: Offshore - best flotation, turns unconscious wearer face-up

Type II: Near-shore - moderate flotation, may turn face-up

Type III: Flotation aid - comfort, wearer must position themselves

Type IV: Throwable - ring buoy, cushion

Type V: Special use - must be worn (inflatable, work vest)

Children's PFDs

• Children under 13 must wear PFD underway (most states)

• Use appropriately sized PFD for child's weight

• Infant: <30 lbs | Child: 30-50 lbs | Youth: 50-90 lbs

Fire Extinguishers

Vessel Length	No Fixed System	With Fixed System
Under 26 ft	One 5-B	None required
26 ft - 40 ft	Two 5-B or One 20-B	One 5-B
40 ft - 65 ft	Three 5-B or One 20-B + One 5-B	Two 5-B or One 20-B

Required if: Inboard engine, closed compartments for fuel storage, double bottom not sealed, closed living spaces, or permanently installed fuel tanks.

Visual Distress Signals (VDS)

Requirement	Day Signals	Night Signals
Coastal waters (all boats 16ft+)	3 orange smoke or flag	3 red flares or electric light
OR combination devices	3 red hand-held or aerial flares (day/night)

Exemptions

Boats under 16 ft, sailboats under 26 ft without engine, and manually propelled boats only need night signals when operating at night.

Sound Producing Devices

Vessel Length	Required Equipment
Under 39.4 ft (12m)	Some means of making efficient sound signal (whistle, horn, etc.)
39.4 ft - 65.6 ft (12-20m)	Whistle AND bell
Over 65.6 ft (20m)	Whistle AND bell (mouth diameter ≥ 7.87"/200mm)

Navigation Lights

Required from sunset to sunrise and in reduced visibility

Power Vessels Under 39.4 ft

• Red/green sidelights (112.5° each)

• White stern light (135°)

• White masthead light (225°, forward)

Sailboats Under 65.6 ft

• Red/green sidelights

• White stern light

• Optional: tricolor at masthead (combined)

Additional Required Equipment

Equipment	Requirement
Ventilation	At least two ducts for engine/fuel tank compartments (gasoline)
Backfire Flame Arrester	Required on all gasoline engines (except outboards)
Navigation Rules	Copy required on vessels 39.4 ft (12m) or longer
Pollution Placard	Required on vessels 26 ft+ with machinery compartment
MARPOL Trash Placard	Required on vessels 26 ft+ (no plastic overboard)
Oil Discharge Placard	Required on vessels 26 ft+ with machinery compartment
Marine Sanitation Device	Required if vessel has installed toilet

Recommended Additional Equipment

Communication

• VHF Radio (Ch. 16)

• EPIRB (offshore)

• PLB (personal)

• Cell phone (backup)

Navigation

• Charts (paper backup)

• Compass

• GPS

• Depth sounder

Safety

• First aid kit

• Anchor + rode

• Bilge pump

• Flashlight