Required Equipment
What is the basic federal requirement for life jackets on a recreational boat?
Answer
One Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board
Every recreational boat must carry one U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket, of the proper size, for each person on board. They must be in serviceable condition and readily accessible.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard / Office of the Federal Register — 33 CFR 175.15(a), Personal flotation devices required; 33 CFR 175.19, 175.21 — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-175.15
Not the answer
- Life jackets only for children
- Life jackets only on boats over 40 feet
- One life jacket for every two people
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