A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats

As boaters, we are all expected to carry required safety equipment and ensure that our vessel is compliant with federal and state regulations. To help us do this, the US Coast Guard has produced a quick reference called, “A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats”. You can download this guide by clicking the link below.

The guide contains information about federal laws and equipment carriage requirements for recreational vessels of the United States. It is important to understand that federal equipment requirements are minimum requirements and do not guarantee the safety of your vessel or its passengers. The guide includes recommendations for additional safety equipment you may wish to have on board. In addition to the requirements stated in this pamphlet, we as boaters, may be required to comply with additional regulations and/or laws specific to the state in which the vessel is registered or operated. To ensure compliance with state boating laws, you should contact the appropriate boating agency in your area. And remember, a vessel in compliance with the laws in one state may not meet the requirements of another state where the vessel is being operated.

Click here to download A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats