Boat Safety Checklist - USCG Requirements for Boats Under 40 Ft

Resources:
Nautical Chart App (iPhone): https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-stor...
Nautical Chart App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

Website Links:
https://www.uscgboating.org/images/42...

https://myfwc.com/boating/safety-educ...

👇🏼CHECKLIST👇🏼
1. State Registration & State Numbering display

2. Life Jackets and Throwable Device

All recreational vessels must cary one wearable USCG approved life jacket (check label) for each person on board.

Any boat over 16 ft must also carry one throwable device (type 4).

Life jackets must be readily accessible.

Should not be stowed in plastic bags, no locks, gear on top etc.

Throwable devices must be immediately available within arms reach -and USCG approved (check the label).

Inflatable Life Jackets are allowed if child is over the age of 16 (again check for USCG label).

Child Life Jackets - must wear if under 13 while underway (except below deck or in enclosed cabin) double check state requirements for this too

3. Visual Distress Signals

LESS THAN TWO MILES, NOT REQUIRED. Day and night signals.

Less than 16ft not required for day, only night.

4. Fire Extinguisher

USCG-approved 2 B-1 or 1 x B-II (26’ to 40’)

There are permanently installed fuel tanks . (Fuel tanks secured
so they cannot be moved in case of a fire or other emergency
are considered permanently installed . Also, if the weight of a fuel tank is such that persons on board cannot move it, the U .S . Coast Guard may consider it permanently installed .)

There are closed living spaces.

Boats with engine rooms.

5. Ventilation

Boats that use gasoline for electrical generation, mechanical power, or propulsion are required to be equipped with a ventilation system.

A natural ventilation system consists of:

A supply opening (duct/cowl) from the outside air (located on the exterior surface of the boat), or from a ventilated compartment, or from a compartment that is open to the outside air.

An exhaust opening into another ventilated compartment or an exhaust duct to the atmosphere .

6. Backfire Flame Control

Gasoline engines installed in a motorboat or motor vessel after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors, must be equipped with an acceptable means of backfire flame control . The backfire flame arres- tor (BFA) must be suitably secured to the air intake with a flame-tight connection, and is required to be either U .S . Coast

Guard-approved or comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards and marked accordingly.

7. Sound Producing Devices

39ft or less must have some means of an efficient sound signal (whistle, horn), larger vessels will have more requirements for this.

8. Navigation Lights

Required to be displayed from sunset to sunrise and in low light situations such as rain or fog.

If you’re a power driven vessel less than 12 meters (39.4ft) then it may be like this: port starboard and all around white light.

9. Pollution Regulations and Garbage placard

Vessels 26ft and greater but must have oil placard and garbage placard.

10. Marine Sanitation Devices: all recreational vessels with installed toilet facilities must have an operable marine sanitation device. Under 65ft may be a flow-through device or holding tank.

Gale Force recommended personal devices:
Handheld Locater Beacon
Dramamine
Extra Contacts/glasses
Extra sunglasses
Extra charts (Navionics App)
First Aid kit
Anchor


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