Boating Activity

All marine vessels plying around the navigable waters around the country are subject to federal boating regulations. Both commercial and recreational vessels need to comply with the rules and regulations set by the United States Inland Laws, the Coast Guard and the states where these boats are registered.

Recreational boats of different sizes and purposes are governed by different set of boating regulations. Boats that are (a) under 16 feet, (b) 16 feet to less than 26 feet, (c) 26 feet to less than 40 feet, and (d) 40 feet to less than 65 feet follow certain government standards.

The Coast Guard is very concerned when it comes to safety it imposes strict boating rules and regulations. As it is, it requires all boats to have the visual distress signal including one orange distress flag and one electric distress light or a combination of day/night red flares. Moreover, all boats navigating around U.S. territorial waters to have one of type of Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board as well as one type V Personal Floatation Device (PFD). Easy access to lifejackets both for adults and for kids while on baord is also very important.

All boats are required to have navigations and sound producing warning devices. Horns and whistles may be used by small boats as warning devices. Larger vessels with 39.4 feet and above are required to have sound signaling devices that can produce sounds signals that are audible for around ½ mile. As safety measure, gasoline powered boats that have enclosed fuel tank compartments are required to have proper ventilation. Older boats that were built after April 25, 1940 are required to have natural ventilation and backfire flame arrestor. On the other hand, the Coast Guard requires boats built after July 31, 1980 to have exhaust blowers. For fighting off fire on board, all boats are required to have at least one Marine Type USCG B-I or three B-I fire extinguishers so make sure that you have the necessary firefighting equipment on board.

Aside from complying with Coast Guard boat regulations, boat owners must also follow local state laws. This includes registering their boats with the proper local authorities and keeping a copy of the State Registration or certificate of number on board their vessel. Failure to keep a certificate of state registration or certificate of number on board can lead to legal sanctions including suspension of registration and payment of penalties.