Federal Law of Boating Required Equipment Recreational vessels are required to carry specified safety equipment which may vary according to type of propulsion, type of construction, area and time of use, and number of people aboard. Recreational vessels may carry extra equipment that is not Coast Guard approved-provided that the minimum requirements for approved equipment are satisfied.
Requirements vary considerably for commercial vessels and vessels engaged in racing.
They must be readily accessible and of a suitable size for the intended wearer. Vessels 16 feet and over, except canoes and kayaks, must have one Type I, II, III, or V Coast Guard-approved wearable device for each person aboard, plus at least one Type IV throwable device. The throwable device must be kept where it is immediately available. Wearable devices must be of a suitable size for the intended wearer. In inland and international waters, sailing vessels under sail alone shall exhibit navigation lights.