Boat Must Haves - Legal Stuff

While boating, there are a few things that are necessary to keep on your boat at all times.  Every state has its own laws and regulations as to what you should have.  Right now, I will be going over what you must LEGALLY have on board, later on in another post I will talk about what I like to have on board when I am on the water.

I live in Texas, therefore I only need to know what is needed in my state.  All states are different but they all require about the same things.

In Texas you need.....

• Lifesaving devices
  • Any person under the age of 13 must wear a PFD (personal flotation device) at all times when underway.  Meaning, when the vessel is in motion, they must wear one. 
  • Type IV throw able.  These are used in the event that a flotation aid must be thrown into the water.  These look much like a seat cushion.  (In fact, thats what I usually use mine for when on the boat)
• Sound Producing Device - a integrated horn on the boat or a air horn.  
• Lights- Some type of light that can be seen from 360 degrees around the vessel from sunset to sunrise.  These are usually the boats integrated anchor lights.    
• Navigation Lights- These are the red and green lights at the bow of the boat.  
• Mirrors- When towing someone doing water sports, it is necessary to have either an observer or a mirror visible from the captain.  
• Fire Extinguisher- Vessels must have some kind of fire extinguisher on board.  Many boats also have a integrated fire suppression system made by a company such as Fireboy.  These will automatically go off when there is a fire in the engine compartment.  It is always a good idea to have one other than the automatic system within reach of the captain.  

These are just the basics, make sure to check your states rules and regulations as to what you should have on board when you are on the water.  Not having one of these items can make for a very costly ticket during a routine safety inspection.