USCG Required Safety Equipment by Boat Length

Federal carriage requirements for recreational vessels depend mostly on boat length, propulsion and where you operate. California adds a few rules of its own. Use this as a pre-inspection checklist; a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check is free and covers the same items.

Every boat, any length

• Wearable life jackets (PFDs): one USCG-approved wearable PFD of the proper size for each person aboard, readily accessible. Children under 13 must wear one underway on vessels 26 ft or less in California.
• Registration and numbers: current CF registration, numbers in 3-inch block letters on each side of the bow, current decal.
• Navigation lights: required from sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility for all vessels, including paddlecraft (a white light is sufficient for small non-powered craft).
• Sound-producing device: whistle or horn capable of a 4-second blast audible for one-half mile.
• California Boater Card: required for all operators of motorized vessels on California waters since January 1, 2025.

Under 16 ft

• Wearable PFD per person (no throwable required).
• Visual distress signals: on coastal waters, night signals are required when operating between sunset and sunrise (e.g., an electric SOS distress light or red flares). Day signals are recommended.
• Fire extinguisher: one 5-B rated marine extinguisher if the boat has an inboard engine, an enclosed engine or fuel compartment, a permanently installed fuel tank, or enclosed living spaces.

16 ft to under 26 ft

• Wearable PFD per person plus one Type IV throwable (cushion or ring buoy) immediately available.
• Visual distress signals, day and night, on coastal waters: typically three handheld red flares (day/night) or a combination such as an orange flag plus an electric SOS light. Pyrotechnic signals expire 42 months after manufacture; check the dates.
• Fire extinguisher: one 5-B (conditions above). Boats model year 2018 and newer must carry extinguishers labeled 5-B or 20-B; disposable extinguishers more than 12 years old must be replaced.
• Ventilation: gasoline-powered boats with enclosed engine compartments need natural ventilation, and powered blowers on boats built after 1980.
• Backfire flame arrestor on gasoline inboard engines.

26 ft to under 40 ft

• All of the above, with two 5-B extinguishers or one 20-B.
• Oil discharge placard (5" × 8") posted in the machinery space if the boat has a machinery compartment.
• Garbage disposal placard (MARPOL) posted where crew can see it.
• Marine sanitation device: any installed toilet must be a USCG-certified Type I, II or III MSD; Type III holding tank discharge must be secured in no-discharge zones, which include many California harbors.

40 ft to 65 ft

• Three 5-B extinguishers, or one 20-B plus one 5-B.
• Sound signals: vessels 39.4 ft (12 m) and longer must carry a whistle and a bell.
• Written waste management plan aboard for vessels 40 ft and longer with a galley and berthing.

Fleet and rental operators

Charter, rental and tour operators should keep an inspection log with PFD counts and condition, extinguisher gauge checks and service dates, flare expiration dates and light tests. We stock PFDs and throwables by the case, 5-B extinguishers with marine brackets, USCG-approved flare kits and horns, and can set up a standing restock schedule. See the Safety & USCG Compliance category.

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