This pamplet contains information about Federal laws, equipment requirements, and safety recommendations for recreational vessels. In addition to the requirements stated in this pamphlet, the owner/operator may be required to comply with additional regulations specific to the state in which the vessel is registered or operated. State laws vary. A vessel in compliance with the laws of the state of registration may not meet the requirements of another state where operated. To insure compliance with state boating laws, contact the appropriate boating agency.

Boat operators are expected to make sure that their boats, referred to in the law as vessels, carry at least a minimum of safety equipment (carriage requirements) and comply with federal and state regulations for such things as numbering and operation.

The Federal Equipment Requirements are minimum requirements and do not guarantee the complete safety of the vessel or its passengers. The safety requirements should be viewed as conservative and not absolute. For this reason additional safety equipment is recommended. Minimum federal requirements are printed in red italic.

There are other equipment and considerations that are recommended for the safety of you and your passengers. This information is printed in black along with information about the Coast Guard Auxiliary Courtesy Marine Examination. A check-list which includes Courtesy Marine Examination requirements is found on page 46.


The Courtesy Marine Examination (CME) is one of many services provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, a volunteer organization dedicated to assisting the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. This free examination is a courtesy check of safety equipment carried or installed on a vessel and certain aspects of the vessel's condition. CME requirements parallel and sometimes exceed Federal requirements with regard to equipment and vessel condition. If the vessel meets or exceeds all CME requirements, the examiner will award the owner or operator a Courtesy Marine Examination Decal (Seal of Safety). It must be emphasized that the CME is NOT a law enforcement action and is not conducted by, nor is any information obtained or provided to any, law enforcement organization. It is a FREE public service in the interest of boating safety.