Although many boaters are unaware of the fact, federal boating regulations do not only apply to large commercial vessels. In fact, all commercial and recreational vessels plying navigable waterways around the country are subject to the United States inland laws, the Coast Guard boating regulations and other applicable laws of the state where the boat is registered.
Recreational boats of different sizes and purposes are governed by different boating regulations. Boats that are (a) under 16 feet, (b) 16 feet to less than 26 feet, (c) 26 feet to less than 40 feet, and (d) 40 feet to less than 65 feet must follow specific government standards.
The Coast Guard’s primary consideration is safety at sea, therefore it is very strict when it comes to enforcing boating regulations. It is a requirement that all boats carry a visual distress signal including one orange distress flag and one electric distress light or a combination of day/night red flares. In addition to carrying distress signal devices, all boats must carry one type-V Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and one Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. Children must also be provided with Coast Guard approved life jackets.
In addition to safety equipment, all boats are required by Coast Guard regulations to have warning devices such as sound producing devices like an air horn or whistle plus navigation lights. Vessels longer than 39.4 feet are required to have a sound signaling device that is audible for around 1/2 mile. The Coast Guard also requires that boats using gasoline in an enclosed fuel tank compartment have an adequate ventilation system. Older boats that were built after April 25, 1940 are required to have natural ventilation and backfire flame arrester. Exhaust blowers are also required for boats built after July 31, 1980. It is also a requirement that all types of boats have at least one Marine Type USCG B-I or three B-I fire extinguishers on board.
Aside from being subject to Coast Guard rules and regulations, boats are also subject to state registration requirements. Boat owners are required to keep a copy of their certificate of state registration or other registration documents on board including when the vessel is in transit. Failure to keep a certificate of state registration or certificate of number on board can lead to legal sanctions including suspension of registration and payment of penalties.