Legal Requirements for Recreational Boats

Boat Length

<16'

16' to <26'

26' to <40'

40 to <65'

Notes

State Registration  on board

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Except documented boats

Numbering on hull

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

3" block letters - Contrast to hull

Certificate of documentation aboard

Yes

Yes

Yes

Name on boat, number etched into hull

Life Jackets

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

One for each person plus throwable

Flairs (VDS)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

For <16' electric flash light is ok

Fire extinguishers

1B1

1B1

1B2

2B2

B is for oil fires, 1 is 2 lbs, 2 is 10lbs

Ventilation (blower for 1980 or later

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Gas engines only

Horn, whistle, bell

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Horn + bell for 40' to <65'

Backfire flame arrester

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Gas engines only - Must be clean

Navigational lights

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Red & green plus 360 / anchor light

Oil Polution Placard

No

No

Yes

Yes

Where to discharge oil

MARPOL (garbage placard)

No

No

Yes

Yes

Where to discharge trash

Marine Sanitation device

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Must be closed to ocean

Navigation rules aboard

No

No

No

Yes

Operable radio

Not required, but if aboard, it must be operable. Required in foreign ports

Bucket

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

For debailing, oil container                & sea anchor

Anchor and 6' galvanized chain

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

For Ocean 7 to 1 scope,               must be secured

Navigational charts

Not required, but used to determine anchoring depth