18
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Personal Floatation Devices (PFD’s)
These must bear a tag that they have been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and must be in
serviceable condition. They must also be of the appropriate size for the wearer, i.e. for children
there must be children’s life vests on board. Many states now require children to wear PFD’s at all
times. You should check with your state to determine the proper requirements. You should
maintain at least one Type I, II, or III PFD for each person on board, plus one throwable device, a
ring or boat cushion, Type IV.
•
Visual Distress Signals
These are now required in virtually all waters of the United States. If in doubt, please check with
the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Hotline at 1-800-368-5647 for a specific answer.
•
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
These must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, be in a serviceable condition, and be readily
accessible. They each have a service life date and are not counted beyond this date. These types
include both hand held flares and aerial flares.
•
Sound Signaling Device
You must have an efficient means of making a proper sound signal in the event of distress or
poor visibility. This may be a horn, whistle, or bell.
•
Navigation Lights
These come with your EdgeWater 245CX and meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements. It is
important that you periodically check to make sure they are in working order. It is very important
these be checked prior to any cruise which will keep you on the water after dark.
•
Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is standard on all EdgeWater boats. These require regular inspection to make
certain they are ready for use. Questions may be directed to the U.S. Coast Guard
Boating Safety
Hotline at 1-800-368-5647, or 1-202-267-1070. You should, as part of routine boat
maintenance; check to make sure your extinguisher is still operable.
Never discharge your fire extinguisher to see if it still works. This will cause it to lose
pressure. If it is accidentally discharged or if it is used on a fire, replace it immediately.
8.2 Suggested Safety Equipment - Inshore
Suggested safety equipment, over and above the required equipment is:
•
First aid kit and manual
•
Boat hook
•
Tool kit
•
Spare fuel/water separator and filter removal tool
•
Extra quart of engine oil
•
An adequate number and size of line should be on the boat. Bowlines should be at least 1/3
longer than the boat’s length and stern lines at least as long as the boat. When operating in areas
with unusually high tidal range, this should be lengthened. The minimum size line for a small boat
is 3/8” diameter 3-strand nylon. Refer to one of the listed references in the Appendix for a
complete discussion on line size relative to boat length.
•
Waterproof flashlight, with good batteries
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