You also should carry a life-ring and other "throwable devices"–such as buoyant boat cushions–that you can toss to someone who falls overboard. Boats 16 feet or longer must carry throwable devices and store them where they're immediately available in case of an emergency.
GLEN JUSTICEThe engine room of this 55-foot motoryacht has a small extinguisher readily available outside. Not pictured is a large fire supression unit near the twin engines.
Tenders and life rafts are not required on recreational vessels, and they can be expensive. However, they can expand your cruising options, allowing you to go ashore for supplies or explore areas with shallow water. They are also a safety asset that is worthy of consideration if you go far from shore.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
If your boat is 16 feet long or longer, you must have at least one fire extinguisher–two if your boat is 26 feet long or longer–and they should be mounted conspicuously where you know everyone can see them and reach them. The galley, the engine room and near on-deck barbecue grills are all good places to keep a unit.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers, labeled ABC, are the most versatile. Don't store a fire-extinguisher in a locker or compartment. It won't be of any use unless you can get to it quickly and easily. You also need to make sure that your extinguishers are in good condition and are properly charged. There's usually a pressure gauge near the operating lever, and it should register in the green area. If it doesn't, get the extinguisher recharged or replaced.
If you have an inboard gasoline engine, a flame arrester and ventilation equipment such as a blower should be standard equipment. If they are not, have them installed immediately. Several boats with inboard gasoline engines blow up each year when a spark ignites the fuel vapors that collect in the bilges.
SIGNALS, HORNS AND LIGHTS
Federal regulations require that you carry a minimum of three visual distress signals, including red flares and orange smoke signals. If you already have some aboard, make sure you replace them before they expire. Most boating supply stores sell kits that contain several kinds of flares and smoke devices in a waterproof container. Store them in a cool place, and be careful–these devices produce very hot flames.
Federal laws also require recreational boats to carry "sound-producing" devices so they can warn other boats of danger and exchange signals about what they and nearby vessels are doing. For most recreational boats, that means an air-horn (a small cannister that emits a loud noise when you push a button) or megaphone-style horn that makes a noise when you blow into it.
Your boat also must have the required array of navigation lights. For most boats, that means red and green sidelights, a masthead light and a stern light. Depending upon the size of the vessel, you may be able to get away with single "combination lights," containing both red and green sidelights in one fixture, and an "all around" light that combines a masthead light and stern light. Make sure you have spare bulbs stored in a protective container.
You should have an array of different-sized flashlights and lanterns, particularly if you go out at night, and be sure you have a good stock of batteries to keep them powered. Flashlights are something you will reach for again and again, so buy several.
ANCHORS AND DOCK LINES
To many boaters, an anchor is mainly for convenience, a gadget you toss over the side if you want to stop somewhere for lunch. But an anchor is truly an important safety device.
