The Coast Guard has certain boating safety requirements for recreational boats up to 65 feet. While the boating safety laws are essentially the same for each size category of boats, some differ. Do you know what safety equipment you are required to have on board at all times for your boat size? Just as important, is the equipment you have in good working condition? If you are boarded by the Coast Guard, you could be fined if either you don't have the equipment, or the equipment is in unsatisfactory condition. Worse, if you find yourself in trouble, you may wish you had complied with Federal boating safety laws that require life jackets, flares and sound producing devices among other things.
To find out which equipment you are required to have aboard, find your boat size, and use this handy reference to comply with the Coast Guard boating safety rules specific to your size boat.
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