Boating Equipment-What Are The Necessities?

So you've bought the boat, you have the fishing gear, but what boating equipment do you need to make sure you have a safe and fun trip? Boating equipment is more than just a road and reel. You need several items to make sure you are safe.

Boating equipment begins with several safety items. A personal flotation device, or life jacket, is a must for boaters in most states. Children 12 years old or younger must be wearing a life jacket if the boat is on the water. There must be a life jacket on the boat for each person. The life jacket must fit the person. The life jacket cannot be stored and should be handy in case of an emergency. The personal flotation devices must meet U.S. Coast Guard standards and have an approval stamp and number. The life jacket must be in good condition.

Another piece of boating equipment that is similar to a life jacket is a buoyant cushion, sometimes referred to as a "throw cushion." This device can be thrown into the water where a person can hang onto it and stay afloat until help arrives. A ring buoy may also be on board in case of an emergency.

An air horn or other sound signaling device is another vital piece of boating equipment and is required in many states. A bell is also another piece of boating equipment that some use to signal to other boats either as a friendly gesture. Sometimes the bell is a warning to other boats that they are too close or heading for danger.

Fire extinguishers are a mandatory piece of boating equipment on all motor boats. In most states fire extinguishers are required if a boat is 26 feet or longer or is transporting passengers for a fee. The number of fire extinguishers you are required to have on board is determined by the size of your boat.

Some boating equipment is not mandatory but is helpful. If you are traveling on unfamiliar waters, navigation tools are a vital piece of boating equipment. Global positioning system or GPS devices are also becoming popular for boaters.

If you are fishing at night, the U.S. Coast Guard requires lights. This piece of boating equipment must be mounted on the bow and stern. If you are caught boating at night without this vital piece of boating equipment, you could face criminal penalties.

You may not think of a first aid kit as boating equipment, but what of someone gets sick or injured on the boat? The kit should contain bandages and rubbing alcohol. It is a good idea to put some medication for motion sickness inside the kit as well.

Boating equipment is not limited to safety and mandatory requirements. Serious fishers will carry depth finders to determine where their best catch is. Some depth finders are equipped with GPS devices as well.

Don't get caught on the water without the proper boating equipment. Bring along everything you need for safety. Check the state regulations to make sure you have the proper boating equipment.

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