The following checklist of boating safety equipment is for a typical big keelboat around 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters) in length, sailing in coastal waters (not across the ocean, but along it). Starred (*) items we also recommend for a smaller keelboat or dinghy:
Life jackets* (just in case you forgot, they're USCGrequired equipment)
Drinking water and food*
Sunscreen*
Sunglasses, hats, extra clothing*
Paddle* (smaller boat only)
Sufficient engine fuel and spare parts
Binoculars
Chart
Compass*
Bucket with a retrieval line (can bail water or be used as an impromptu toilet)
Boat hook
All USCGrequired equipment for the boat*
Sound signals. Usually a whistle* and/or fog horn for larger boats.
Fire extinguisher.
Visual distress signals. You can also use signals such as flares or a flashlight* at night to signal distress by using the international Morse code "SOS" distress signal ( ). And remember spare batteries.
Navigation lights. All boats are required to display navigation lights (also called running lights) at night (including dusk and dawn) and whenever visibility is reduced (such as in fog, heavy rain, or haze). See Chapter 9 for more on navigation lights and sailing at night.
Anchor and anchor rode (chain and line)
Extra line (for repairs, heaving, mooring, and anchoring)
Fenders
VHF radio and cellphone
First-aid kit and manual (see Appendix B and don't forget any personal medicines)
Tool kit (or a multipurpose tool for a dinghy)*
Knife*
Lifesling or other man-overboard recovery equipment.
Spare parts for the boat
Adequate bilge pump(s)
Radar reflector
At most marine stores or any USCG station, you can pick up a copy of the Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats pamphlet. The USCG's Boating Safety Hotline (800-368-5647) or Web site (www.uscgboating. org) can provide all sorts of boating safety information, including courses in your area, and can link you to the Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron, which provides free vessel safety checks.
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
