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Equipment
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
- All vessels must have at least one USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD (life jacket) for each person on board.
- One Type IV (throwable) USCG-approved PFD must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer, in addition to the above requirement.
- Children younger than 13 must wear a securely fastened USCG-approved PFD at all times while in any vessel. The only exception is if the child is within the enclosed area of a houseboat or cruiser, or within the area enclosed by railings on a party barge, cruiser or houseboat and the vessel is not underway.
- Each person on board a personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use on PWCs.
- Each person being towed behind a motorized vessel on water skis, an aquaplane or other device must wear a USCG-approved PFD.
- Besides being U.S. Coast Guard-approved, all PFDs must be:
- In good and serviceable condition.
- Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the PFD on quickly in an emergency.
- Of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.
Navigation Lights
The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and in periods of restricted visibility. On state-controlled waters, all motorboats must have lighting sufficient to make their presence and location known to any other vessels. On federally controlled waters, the requirements are:
Power-Driven Vessels When Underway
If less than 65.6-feet (20 meters) long, these vessels must exhibit lights. Power-driven vessels include sailboats operating under power. The required lights are:
- Red and green sidelights visible for at least two miles (or if less than 39.4-feet long, at least one mile). Combination red and green lights are allowed only on vessels less than 39.4 feet.
- An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight visible from at least two miles on a dark clear night. The all-round white light (or the masthead light) must be at least 3.3 feet higher than the sidelights.
Unpowered Vessels When Underway
Unpowered vessels are sailboats or vessels that are paddled, poled, or rowed.
If less than 65.6-feet (20 meters) long, these vessels must exhibit the following lights:
- Red and green sidelights visible for at least two miles (or if less than 39.4-feet long, at least one mile)
- A sternlight visible for at least two miles
If less than 23.0 feet long, these vessels should:
- If practical, exhibit the same lights as required for unpowered vessels less than 65.6 feet in length.
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If not practical, have on hand at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light as in illustration 3.
All Vessels When Not Underway or At Anchor
All vessels are required to display a white light visible in all directions whenever they are moored or anchored away from a dock between sunset and sunrise.
Fire Extinguishers
All vessels on federally controlled waters are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher on board if one or more of the following conditions exist:
- Inboard engine
- Closed compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored or in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored
- Permanently installed fuel tanks
Although not required, it is strongly recommended that vessels boating on state waters have a Type B fire extinguisher on board.
Approved types of fire extinguishers are labeled "Marine Type USCG Approved," followed by the size and type symbols and the approval number.
Extinguishers should be placed in an accessible area, not near the engine or in a compartment, but where they can be reached immediately. Be sure you know how to operate them and check all extinguishers regularly to make sure they are fully charged.
Ventilation Systems
The purpose of ventilation systems is to remove flammable gases, greatly reducing the chance of explosion.
- All gas-powered vessels, constructed in a way that would entrap fumes, must have at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls to remove fumes. On state waters, any efficient natural or mechanical ventilation system capable of removing entrapped fumes will meet the legal requirement.
- If your vessel is equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least four minutes after fueling, prior to starting your engine.
- If not so equipped (such as PWCs), open the engine compartment and sniff for gasoline fumes before starting the engine.
Backfire Flame Arrestors
Backfire flame arrestors are designed to prevent the ignition of gasoline vapors in case the engine backfires.
- All powerboats except outboards operating on federally controlled waters and fueled with gasoline, must have a backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor that is U.S. Coast Guard-approved or complies with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards.
- It is also strongly recommended that these vessels are equipped with backfire flame arrestors if on state waters.
Mufflers
It is strongly recommended that all vessel engines have an effective muffling system.
Use of dry stack headers or pipes extending directly from the engine of a motorboat that does not have any type of muffler is prohibited except for motorboats competing in an authorized marine event.
Sound Producing Devices
In periods of reduced visibility a sound producing device is essential.
The following is required of vessels only when operating on federally controlled waters; however, it is strongly recommended that all vessels are so equipped:
- Vessels less than 65.6-feet (20 meters) long, including PWCs, are required to carry on board a whistle or horn or other means to make an efficient sound.
- Vessels 65.6-feet (20 meters) and longer are required to carry on board a whistle or horn and a bell.
- No vessel may be equipped with a siren except those used by law enforcement officers.
Common Sound Signals
Some common sound signals that you should be familiar with as a recreational boater are as follows.
Changing Direction
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One short blast tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side."
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Two short blasts tell other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side."
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Three short blasts tell other boaters "I am backing up."
Restricted Visibility
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One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by powerboats underway.
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One prolonged plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailboats under sail alone.
Warning
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One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, when coming around a blind bend or exiting a slip)
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Five (or more) short, rapid blasts are used to signal danger or to signal that you do not understand the other boater's intentions.
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) enable vessel operators to signal for help in the event of an emergency. VDSs are classified as day signals (visible in bright sunlight), night signals (visible at night) or both day and night signals.
- VDSs are not required on Arkansas state waters, but it is strongly recommended that you carry VDSs on board.
- All vessels used on federally controlled waters must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals. These vessels are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.
- Most vessels on federally controlled waters must carry day signals also; exceptions to the requirement for day signals are:
- Recreational vessels that are less than 16 feet in length
- Non-motorized, open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length
- Manually propelled vessels
- VDSs are either pyrotechnic (smoke and flames) or non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible). If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be carried in the vessel.
Diver Down Flags
Scuba divers or skin divers in federally controlled waters must display a "diver down" flag to mark their diving area. Divers spear fishing in Arkansas state waters must display a "diver down" flag and are required to stay within 300 feet of the displayed flag.
Vessels not engaged in diving operations should stay at least 100 feet from a displayed "diver down" flag.