Guide to USCG Equip, Regs, Reqs, and Recommendations

1. PFDs - one carried aboard for each person and must be worn by persons 12 years and younger (Type I = offshore, Type II = inshore, Type III = floatation aid, Type IV = throwable, Type V = hybrid system, typically an auto-inflatable with either "melting pill" or a hydrostatic activation)
2. Throwable floatation - one Type IV "immediately available"
3. Flares - three flares (not expired) minimum, additional day/night signaling devices recommended
4. Fire extinguishers - one B-1 minimum (under 26'), two B-1s or one B-II (over 26'), additional recommended (Type A = paper or wood, Type B = flammable liquids, Type C = electrical, Type D = combustible metals)
5. Documentation - showing boat ownership and registration (CF numbers or Federally documented)
6. Charts and Navigation - local charts, Tide/Current Tables, Local Notice to Mariners, Coast Pilot, Light List, Chart 1, other local guide information, dividers, parallel rulers, magnifying glass, calculator, GPS
7. Sound-making device - typically an air horn
8. Marine Sanitation Device - accidental overboard discharge must be prevented (e.g., Y-valve flow direction locked inboard to holding tank)
9. Backfire flame arrestors - gasoline engines except outboards
10. Ventilation - gasoline engines (for enclosed engine spaces)
11. Navigation lights - running lights, steaming light (for restricted visibility), anchor light for non-designated anchorages, conforming to visibility requirements
12. Pollution Regulations - honor system (no placard required) of MARPOL requirements (from very restrictive between 0 to 3 miles to less restrictive outside 25 miles), plastic is never legal
13. Navigation Rules - familiarity with the Navigation Rules is recommended
14. OUPV (or greater) original license - OUPV minimum for inshore operation, copies not accepted
15. TWIC - Transportation Worker Identification Credential (new requirement)
16. VHF - recommended (plus at least one handheld device)
17. VHF monitoring - if equipped, must monitor channel 16, use procedure words and use protocol, EPIRB recommended for offshore
18. Compass - boat compass and hand-held backup recommended
19. Binoculars - recommended 7 x 50, image stabilized, compass
20. Anchor - recommended to carry at least one, typically two
21. Bailer or manual bilge pump - recommended to carry two buckets
22. Flashlight - recommended to carry spare batteries and bulbs
23. First Aid kit - recommended to depending upon availability of emergency response, sea sick medicine
24. Tool kit and spare parts - recommended to carry for repairs depending on availability of onshore help
25. Soft wood plugs and mallet - recommended to attach plugs to thru-hull fittings
26. Safety Gear - recommended to carry, depending on boat and destination, including Safety harness, layered clothing, foul weather gear, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, COB buoy and/or device (e.g., LifeSling), heaving and spare lines, rigid or inflatable dinghy (or liferaft), tow rope, radar reflector
27. Boat log - recommended to carry for documentary evidence of boat operation, destinations, maintenance, official sea time
28. Float plan - recommended to file with trusted third party
29. Check lists - recommended equipment location diagram, including thru-hull and electrical equipment locations
30. Safety Discussion - recommended prior to departure, describing critical systems use and locations (e.g., VHF, engine operation), COB procedure, wearing PFDs, and staying on the boat