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Legally required boating equipment
As suggested by some members of this forum, the Harbor Patrol Officers have been making frequent patrols around the breakwater to help enforce existing laws. We have found that many of the vessels are not carrying the minimum legal required equipment. This includes registration for all motorized vessels and a fishing license.
To assist you in getting the proper equipment for your particular vessel, here are the equipment requirements as found in the ABC's of Boating Law as published by the California Department of Boating and Waterways. Please let me know if you have any questions.
R E Q U I R E D EQ U I P M E N T
Recreational vessels are required to carry specified safety equipment which
may vary according to type of propulsion, type of construction, area and time
of use, and number of people aboard. Unless otherwise noted, all required
equipment must be Coast Guard approved and must be kept in good,
serviceable condition, be readily accessible, and be of the proper type and/or
size.
MOTORBOATS LESS THAN 16 FEET IN LENGTH
Personal Flotation Device: One Type I, II, III, or V Coast Guard-approved
personal flotation device must be carried for each person on board. They must
be readily accessible and of an appropriate size for the intended wearer.
Fire Extinguisher: One Type B-I Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher must
be carried. Extinguishers are not required for outboard motorboats less than 26
feet in length and of open construction.
Ventilation System: See page 36.
Sound Signaling Devices: A vessel of less than 39 feet 4 inches (12 meters)
must be able to provide a means of making an efficient sound signal but is not
required to carry a whistle or bell.
Visual Distress Signals (Coastal Waters Only): Boats are only required between sunset and sunrise to carry aboard devices that are suitable for night use.
Navigation Lights: Navigation lights must be kept in serviceable condition and
displayed between sunset and sunrise and at times of restricted visibility.
16 FEET TO LESS THAN 26 FEET
Personal Flotation Devices: One Type I, II, III, or V Coast Guard-approved
wearable personal flotation device must be carried for each person aboard.
They must be readily accessible and of an appropriate size for the intended
wearer. In addition, the vessel must carry an approved Type IV throwable
device which should be immediately available.
Fire Extinguisher: One Type B-I Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher must
be carried. Extinguishers are not required for outboard motorboats less than 26
feet in length and of open construction.
Backfire Flame Arrestor: A Coast Guard-approved backfire flame arrestor is
required for inboard gasoline motors which are not exposed to the atmosphere
above the level of the gunwale.
Ventilation System: See page 36.
Sound Signaling Devices: A vessel of less than 39 feet 4 inches (12 meters)
must be able to provide a means of making an efficient sound signal but is not
required to carry a whistle or bell.
Visual Distress Signals (Coastal Waters Only): All boats 16 feet or more in
length must carry devices aboard at all times. Boaters must carry: EITHER a)
devices that are suitable for day use and devices suitable for night use, OR b)
devices that can be used for both day and night use (see page 43).
Navigation Lights: Navigation lights must be kept in serviceable condition and
be displayed between sunset and sunrise and at times of restricted visibility.
MANUALLY PROPELLED VESSELS
Personal Flotation Devices: Vessels less than 16 feet in length, and all canoes
and kayaks, regardless of length, must carry one Type I, II, III, or V Coast
Guard-approved personal flotation device for each person on board. They
must be readily accessible and of an appropriate size for the intended wearer.
A vessel under oars must have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white
light which must be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision . Distress signals must be carried at night.
RUNNING LIGHTS - INLAND AND INTERNATIONAL
Power-Driven Vessels: A recreational powerboat under way is required to
display a masthead light forward, red and green sidelights and a sternlight,
A recreational powerboat under 39 feet 4 inches (12
meters) may instead display a 360o all-round sternlight and combination red
and green sidelights (Figure 2).
ANCHOR LIGHTS
An anchor light is an all-round white light exhibited where it can best be seen
and is visible for two miles.
Power-driven vessels and sailing vessels at anchor must display anchor lights.
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