Marine Safety

Some safety gear is legally required, and the specifics depend on your boat’s size and where you operate: a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD) for every person aboard, throwable flotation on larger boats, fire extinguishers of the right class and number, visual distress signals (flares or approved alternatives), and a sound-producing device. Start by confirming the requirements for your boat length and use, then make sure everything is current and accessible — not buried in a locker.

Fit and type matter as much as having the gear. A PFD only works if it fits the wearer and they’ll actually wear it, so match type to activity — inflatable belt or vest PFDs for comfort, foam vests for kids and non-swimmers. Fire extinguishers must match the hazard class and be within date and charge.

Beyond the minimum, think about redundancy and communication: an EPIRB or PLB summons rescue when you’re out of VHF range, a well-stocked marine first-aid kit handles the common injuries, and a ditch bag keeps essentials together if you ever have to leave the boat. Check and refresh this gear on a schedule — expired flares and dead extinguishers help no one.