Vessels With No Motor or Sail: Required Safety Equipment

Title and Registration Numbers

Title and registration numbers not required.

Personal Flotation Devices

One US Coast Guard approved wearable device is required for each person on board. Inflatable PFDs are authorized only when used according to the instructions on US Coast Guard approval labels.

Passengers under 13 years of age must wear a Type I, II, or III wearable PFD while the vessel is underway. Underway means not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground.

Each wearable PFD should be readily accessible, in serviceable condition, and of the appropriate size for the intended user. Wearable devices should also be approved for the activity taking place and used according to the instructions on its label. Learn more about PFD fit and types.

Visual Distress Signals

For vessels under 16 feet in length, visual distress signals that are US Coast Guard-approved for night use are required if operating between sunset and sunrise in coastal waters of the state.

For vessels 16 feet and over in length, visual distress signals that are US Coast Guard-approved for day and night use are required if operating in coastal waters of the state.

Visual distress signals should be readily accessible, in working condition, and unexpired (if expiration date is shown).

Lights

At least one bright light, lantern, or flashlight of white color is required when not at dock. US Coast Guard-approved red and green side lights and a white all-around light may be exhibited.

In vessels less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length, lights should be visible at the following distances. "Visible" when applied to lights means visible on dark nights with clear atmosphere.

  • White lights shall be visible at a distance of at least two (2) miles.
  • Colored lights shall be visible at a distance of at least one (1) mile.

US Coast Guard-approved lights must be:

  • serviceable,
  • displayed from sunset to sunrise in all weather,
  • displayed during restricted visibility, and
  • visible all around the horizon.

Any other lights on the vessel:

  • must not be exhibited in a way that may be mistaken for navigation lights;
  • must not impair the visibility or distinctive characteristics of navigation lights; and
  • must not interfere with the keeping of a proper lookout.