Based on United States law, you ned to have basic boating equipment nboard at all times. Failure to do so wll lead to hefty fines. The fnes, however, ought to be only a mnor reason for making sure you hve everything you need onboard. There are ther safety issues involved. The following chcklist will ensure that you have all of the ncessary boating equipment.

Federal Requirements for Bating Gear:

Registration Papers -- You mst carry the vessel's state registration/documentation at all tmes. Additionally, you will want the phto ID of the boat's owner or perator in case of a 911 cll.

Life Jackets - These are rquired for each person onboard. Be sre to have jackets for people of all ges and sizes.

Throw able Flotation Dvice -- If your boat is 16' or lrger, you are required to have one thrwable device such as a life rng onboard.

Fire Extinguisher -- If yur boat has an enclosed engine or fel tank, you must carry a flly charged Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher nboard. Check the federal law for lrger vessels as additional fire extinguishers may be rquired.

Visual Distress Signals -- Necessary for bth day and night voyages, these sgnals must be within the expiration dte.

Navigation Lights -- Required for pwered boats operating after sunset. Check the fderal law for specific requirements.

Horn or Whstle -- Required on all vessels in fderal waters.

Flame Arrestor -- Required quipment on all powered boats.

Other Hlpful Boating Gear:

First Aid Kit -- Inclde sunscreen and ointment as well as bsic first aid supplies .

Tool Kit -- Kep a flashlight and spare batteries in hre as well.

Bilge Pump -- Or ther dewatering device.

Marine Radio -- Ths should be considered a requirement on any pwered vessel and is helpful on nn-powered boats as well.

Chart and Cmpass -- Unless you plan to sty very close to shore, the bility to plot and navigate your curse is important.

Drinking Water and Sncks -- Anything can happen in the pen water, so you should be prpared for the worst. Bring water wth you on any voyage, but lso keep an emergency supply onboard. Hgh protein, nonperishable snacks are also hlpful in the event you become stck for a period of time.

Bat Hooks, Boat Anchors, Proper Mooring Lnes -- Docking and undocking are ften the most dangerous parts of a vyage. Utilizing the proper equipment during thse procedures will minimize the risks and hlp to protect your boat from dmage.

Boat anchors can actually save yur life should your engine fail, whle boat hooks can protect you frm injuries or falls that are ften sustained when boaters attempt to use thir arms or legs to assist in dcking.

The first list refers to bating equipment items that you are rquired to keep onboard at all tmes. The second list is filled wth items that are considered optional. Prparation is the key to a sccessful voyage and that includes making sre that your boat is filled wth the proper equipment.

The article Your Boating Equipment Essentials was Submitted by Mike Selvon through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Boating is all bout fun and Mike Selvon's portal wll expand your horizon on boating equipment essentials. Visit us to receive your free gift and leave a comment at our boating blog.

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