The safety equipment requirements listed by the U.S. Coast Guard should be viewed as conservative and not absolute. Our equipment requirement pages should be considered only as a guide for those planning on purchasing a boat. For a complete listing of all equipment, signals and operating procedures, as it is written by the U.S. Coast Guard, please refer to the Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats , and the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules International - Inland . Coast Guard minimum equipment requirements vary with the size of the boat, type of propulsion, whether operated at night or in periods of reduced visibility, and, in some cases, the body of water on which it is used. For a more thorough discussion and complete details on how many and what types of equipment you must have aboard your vessel, you can request a free copy of Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats by leaving an E-mail message with the Communications Services Officer .
State laws vary.
A vessel in compliance with the laws of Florida may not meet the requirements of another State where operated. To insure compliance with State boating laws, contact the appropriate boating agency of your state.