1-15Boating SafetySafety and RequiredEquipmentYour boat and equipment must be in compliance with federal, stateand local safety equipment regulations. USCG regulations requirecertain safety equipment be present on your boat during operation.For a detailed description, obtain “Federal Requirements forRecreational Boats” published by the U.S. Coast Guard andavailable online at:http://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/federal_requirements_brochure.aspx.In addition to the USCG regulations, other local and/orinternational law enforcement agencies may have similarrequirements. You should check with your local marine lawenforcement agency regarding any such requirements beforeboating.Equipment requirements for coastal and inland waters differ.Check with local authorities and/or the USCG for furtherinformation about coastal water requirements.The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 (FBSA/71) and the NationalRecreation Boating Safety Program have established minimumsafety standards for boats and associated equipment, specified bythe USCG. In addition, the American Boat and Yacht Council(ABYC) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association(NMMA) work with boat builders to develop voluntary standardsthat exceed the USCG requirements. The included safetyequipment on your boat meets or exceeds the standards of theUSCG, ABYC and the NMMA.Some required safety equipment, such as life jackets (PFDs), arenot included with your boat. Your dealer can help you choose theappropriate equipment.Many states’ equipment requirements go beyond USCGrequirements. Contact your state boating office for furtherinformation.
