Required Equipment

In addition to wearable life jackets, what must most boats 16 feet and longer also carry?

Answer

At least one throwable (Type IV) flotation device

Boats 16 feet and longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry at least one throwable flotation device, such as a ring or cushion, kept immediately available to toss to someone in the water.

Source: U.S. Coast Guard / Office of the Federal Register — 33 CFR 175.15(b) and 175.17(a) — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-175.15

Not the answer

  • A life raft
  • A second engine
  • Two anchors

Practice this

The boater safety certification exam is 50 questions and takes 40 correct — 80% — to pass. The app’s page carries a free ten-question test drawn from the same bank, marked as you go.

Take the free practice test