Each person riding aboard a smaller, open boat should wear a Coast
Guard-approved flotation device.
A larger boat must carry at least one
wearable personal flotation device (PFD) for each person aboard and, in
addition, a throwable PFD. A throwable PFD can be either a life
preserver (a doughnut-shaped ring buoy) or a buoyant cushion (floating
pillow). All life preservers must be ready for use and easily
accessible. A small-boat user may find himself or herself in and out of
the water frequently, for example, swimming or diving. In such cases,
wearing a PFD is impractical. However, a child is more likely to become
exhausted by swimming and must wear a flotation jacket. It should be
easy to use and convenient to wear. A boat must also by law carry a
fire extinguisher of the approved type.
Navigation lights are also
required. Closed boats must have adequate ventilation. A noise-making
device, such as a horn or whistle, must be carried by motorboats over
16 feet (4.8m). Boat users should always carry plenty of spare, warm
clothing for everyone aboard. Keep the clothing in waterproof bags tied
firmly into the boat. In an emergency, loose equipment is dangerous.
Boat users should wear sneaker-type shoes that are designed to give a
good grip on wet surfaces. Never wear rain boots. Good sunglasses
should be worn to prevent eye strain on sunny days.
