Checking the Weather and Water Keeping an eye to the sky is an important part of planning any outdoor adventure. In many cases, both your safety and your enjoyment of the outdoor trip will depend enti...

Sound Signal Devices Sound signals are used to attract the attention of other boaters and to aid with navigation. A sound signalling device can be a whistle, a bell, a horn or a gong. All of these dev...

Navigation Light Equipment There will be mornings when the water looks like glass and you’ll want to head out for an early fishing trip. Or, you may return from visiting a friend’s cabin after sun...

Back-Fire Flame Control Devices If your boat is gasoline-powered and has an inboard engine that was installed after April 1940, it must have a Back-Fire Flame Arrestor (BFA) mounted to each carburetor...

Fire Extinguisher Requirements for Boats Most powerboats operate using gasoline, which would explode if it came into contact with a flame. Fire emergencies will always be a risk for boaters, but fires...

Life Jackets: Laws for Children The laws regarding children wearing life jackets vary by state. However, federal law requires any child 12 years of age or younger to wear a Coast Guard- approved Type ...

Life Jacket Laws Always have the right safety equipment onboard your boat. It’s one of the most important things you can do for boating safety and it’s the law. Federal law requires that all boats...

Preventing Boat Theft As boat owners and operators, we value our boats for the relaxing experiences they provide and the great memories we have of sunny days on the water. A thief, however, values you...

Boat Registration Requirements All motorized boats are required to be registered. Some states also require registration for non-motorized boats. These boat registration requirements will vary dependin...

Your Boat’s Gross Load Capacity and Horsepower Recommendations You must be aware of the federal regulations for your boat’s engine power (horsepower) and gross load capacity (maximum weight). Acco...