By Sam Halberstadt · Reviewed by Marina Chen
Editor · USCG-licensed Master 50 GT · Updated May 6, 2026
Boating safety is mostly boring until it isn't. This pillar covers required gear, voluntary upgrades worth the spend, drills you should run before each season, and the federal and state regulations that apply on US waters.
USCG required equipment by boat length
Recreational vessels under 16 ft, 16–26 ft, 26–40 ft, and 40–65 ft each have specific PFD, sound, and visual signal requirements. The complete table is in 33 CFR 175 — we summarize it below.
PFDs that people actually wear
Type V inflatable belt packs and HIT vests have made PFDs comfortable enough to wear all day. The best PFD is the one on your body, not the one in the lazarette.
Fire extinguishers and flammables
B-1 or B-2 marine-rated extinguishers are required on most powered vessels. Mount them where you can reach with a fire between you and the engine compartment.
Flares, EPIRBs, and PLBs
Day/night flares are required for coastal use, but a registered 406 MHz EPIRB or PLB does what flares cannot — bring help to your exact GPS position.
Pre-departure check and float plan
Five minutes of bilge check, fluid check, weather check, and float-plan-to-shore is the cheapest insurance in boating.
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Frequently asked
Federal flare requirements apply on coastal and Great Lakes waters. Many states require visual distress signals on larger inland boats — check your state.