Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697629729467.pdf (Antigua and Barbuda)
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(268) 462 1273 Information for Visiting Ships on the Antigua & Barbuda the Small Craft (Control) Regulations 2017 These new regulations apply to small craft of less than 24 metres in length and this includes boats, canoes, dinghies, kayaks, pontoons and jet skis, operating on the coastal waters of Antigua and Barbuda.
Any small craft onboard the ship (as defined above) that may be deployed need not be licensed, but should comply with the following safety standard: Craft up to 5 metres in length PWCs (jet skis)  Every person on a personal watercraft (PWC) is required to wear a personal floatation device (PFD)/lifejacket at all times when onboard, or being towed in any manner by a PWC.

Lifejacket or PFD must be inherently buoyant.


PFD/ lifejacket should be fitted with a whistle to attract attention and be in a high visibility colour.

Three distress flares in a watertight container, combination of orange smoke and red flare and waterproof torch/light  One buoyant heaving line at least 15m in length   One fire extinguisher  PWC to be equipped with lanyard/kill cord for attachment to operator’s body, clothing or PFD/lifejacket.
PWCs should operate at all times near shore and within navigation marks/buoyed channels and/or controlled designated areas, as applicable and during daylight hours only.

Do not operate a PWC under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Age restriction on person operating PWCs is must be 16 years of age or older.

If engaged in towing a float with a suitable PWC, it is essential to carry an observer.
A high incidence of accidents with PWCs involve collisions and when manoeuvring at speed (including freestyling and wave/wake jumping) a safe distance should be kept from other PWCs, vessels underway or at anchor, or persons in the water.

Canoes, Kayaks, Paddleboats, Paddleboards, Windsurf/Sailboards, Kiteboards, Sailing Boats  One PFD/lifejacket to be worn at all times for every person on board.

Lifejacket or PFD must be inherently buoyant.


PFD/ lifejacket should be fitted with a whistle to attract attention and be in a high visibility colour.

Operations during daylight hours only and near shore in controlled designated areas Sail craft  One PFD/lifejacket to be worn at all times for every person on board an open craft.

Lifejacket or PFD should be inherently buoyant.

PFD/lifejacket should be fitted with a whistle to attract attention and be in a high visibility colour.
A light is required if also operated during hours of darkness  One buoyant heaving line at least 15m length (not required if rescue boat is available)  One paddle, or similar manual propelling device (not required if rescue boat is available)   Navigation lights are required if craft is operated during hours of darkness If craft can hold enough water to cause capsize, then bailer or manual bilge pump required Power craft  One PFD/lifejacket to be worn at all times for every person on board an open craft.
PFD/lifejacket should be fitted with a whistle to attract attention and be in a high visibility colour.
A light is required if also operated during hours of darkness Three distress flares in a watertight container, combination of orange smoke and red flare and waterproof torch/light  One buoyant heaving line at least 15m length   One paddle, or similar manual propelling device   One fire extinguisher  Navigation lights are required if craft is operated during hours of darkness If craft can hold enough water to cause capsize, then bailer or manual bilge pump required Note for small tenders that do short transfer operations then PFDs, waterproof torch/light and means of communication is sufficient.
Sail and power craft of over 5 metres in length up to 13.7 metres (45 feet) in length  One PFD/lifejacket for every person on board and on an open craft it is recommended that they are worn at all times.

Lifejacket or PFD should be fitted with a whistle to attract attention and be in a high visibility colour.
A light is required if also operated during hours of darkness If craft is equipped with a motor, then one waterproof torch/light and six distress flares in a watertight container  One lifebuoy attached to a buoyant line at least 15m in length   One paddle, or similar manual propelling device   One fire extinguisher required if equipped with a motor and one fire extinguisher if equipped with fuel burning If craft can hold enough water to cause capsize, then bailer or manual bilge pump required cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance First aid kit   A reboarding device is required if the vertical height that a person must climb to reboard the craft from the water (freeboard) is over 0.5 metres  One sound signaling appliance  One magnetic compass  One marine VHF radio installation  Navigation lights are required if craft is operated during hours of darkness Sail and power craft of over 13.7 metres (45 feet) in length up to 24 metres in length  One PFD/lifejacket for every person on board.
PFD/ lifejacket should be fitted with a whistle to attract attention and be  in a high visibility colour.
A light is required if also operated during hours of darkness Two lifebuoys, one with a buoyant line at least 15m in length and one with a self-igniting light attached, if craft is operated during hours of darkness  One waterproof torch/light and six hand-held distress flares, two rocket parachute flares and two buoyant smoke signals in a watertight container  Bilge pumping arrangement required  One fire extinguisher at entrance to accommodation space, one fire extinguisher at entrance to machinery space and one fire extinguisher if equipped with fuel burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance First aid kit Fire bucket    A reboarding device is required if the vertical height that a person must climb to reboard the craft from the water (freeboard) is over 0.5 metres  One anchor and at least 50 metres of cable, rope or chain in any combination  Fixed magnetic compass  Sound signaling appliances  One marine VHF radio installation  Navigation lights are required if craft is operated during hours of darkness