Required Equipment

PFDs: Boats less than 16’ (Class A) must have on board one USCG approved wearable PFD for each person aboard. Vessels 16’ to less than 26’ (Class 1), 26’ to less than 40’ (Class 2) and 40’ to 65’ (Class 3) must also carry a type IV throw able device.

Visual Distress Signals: NY State requires all mechanically propelled vessels 18’ and greater in length to carry an orange distress flag at least one square foot in size and a minimum of 3 USCG approved red flares. Federal law requires mechanically propelled vessels 16’ and greater operated on the high seas, coastal waters or Great Lakes to carry at least three USCG approved day/night flares. To satisfy both federal and state requirements it is recommended that all mechanically propelled vessels 16’ and greater in length carry at least 3 USCG approved day/night flares in addition to the distress flag. There are many types of Visual Distress Equipment. Be familiar with the type you carry on your vessel and know how and when to use them.

Fire Extinguishers: All mechanically propelled vessels less than 26’ (except outboards of open construction) must carry one B-1 USCG approved fire extinguisher. Mechanically propelled vessels 26’ to less than 40’ must carry two B-I USCG approved fire extinguishers. Mechanically propelled vessels 40’ to less than 65’ must carry three B-1 fire extinguishers. On any vessel one B-II may substitute for two B-I extinguishers. An approved fixed fire system would reduce the requirements by one B-I. Remember, fire extinguishers are required whenever: a vessel has an inboard engine, there are enclosed or permanently mounted fuel tanks, when there are closed living spaces or closed storage areas in which combustible or flammable materials are stored.

*Ventilation: All vessels built after April 25, 1940, which use gasoline for electrical generation, mechanical power or propulsion are required to be equipped with a ventilation system.

Backfire Flame Control: Gasoline engines installed in a vessel after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors, must be equipped with an acceptable means of backfire flame control. The device must be suitably attached to the air intake, be USCG approved or meet SAE or UL standards.
Sound Producing Device: All mechanically propelled vessels 26 feet and greater in length must carry a whistle (horn) which must be a mechanical device capable of producing a blast of two or more seconds in duration. On vessels less than 26 feet in length a mouth whistle may be used. These sound signals are used to signal your intentions regarding navigation, to signal your position in periods of reduced visibility.

Bell: All vessels 39 feet and greater in length are required to carry a bell. The purpose of the bell is to facilitate compliance with the rules of the road when anchored or grounded during periods of reduced visibility.

Anchor: All mechanically propelled vessels must carry an anchor and line of sufficient weight and strength to provide the vessel with safe anchorage. The anchor and line should be strong enough to hold the vessel when subjected to the worst wind and sea conditions that might be encountered. The anchor line should be long enough to be 5 to 10 times the water depth.

Navigation Lights: Recreational vessels must display their required navigational lights at all times between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility. Sailing vessels and manually propelled vessels less than 23 feet may carry, in lieu of fixed lights, a lantern with a white light which can be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent a collision.

Anchor Light: All vessels between 7 and 50 meters in length, when at anchor, must exhibit at night an all around white light. By day a black ball shall be exhibited. Vessels less than 7 meters need not display an anchor light unless anchored in or near a narrow channel or where vessels would normally navigate.

Discharge Prohibited Placards: Vessels 26 feet in length and over must display the following placards. Discharge of Oil Prohibited and Discharge of Garbage and Plastic Prohibited / Restricted.

Recommended Equipment:
1)VHF Radio
2)First Aid Kit
3)Tool Kit
4)Bilge Pump/ Bailer
5)Boat Hook
6)Oar/ Paddle
7)compass
8)spare parts