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Safety Equipment
1.9 Additional Safety Equipment
Besides meeting the legal requirements, prudent
boaters carry additional safety equipment. This
is particularly important if you operate your boat
offshore. You should consider the following items,
depending on how you use your boat.
Satellite EPIRBS
EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacon) operate as part of a worldwide distress
system. When activated, EPIRBs will send distress
code homing beacons that allow Coast Guard
aircraft to identify and nd them quickly. The
satellites that receive and relay EPIRB signals are
operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) in the United States. The
EPIRB should be mounted and registered accord-
ing to the instructions provided with the beacon,
so that the beacon’s unique distress code can be
used to quickly identify the boat and owner.
Marine Radio
A marine radio is the most effective method of
receiving information and requesting assistance.
VHF marine radios are used near shore and single
sideband radios are used for long range commu-
nication.
There are specic frequencies to use in an emer-
gency. The VHF emergency channel is 16 in
the United States. You should read the owners
manual for your radio and know how to use it in
an emergency or for normal operation. If you
hear a distress call you should assist or monitor
the situation until help is provided.
Additional Equipment to Consider:
Cell Phone Spare Anchor
Fenders Heaving Line
Mirror First Aid Kit
Tool Kit Flashlight & Batteries
Anchor Search light
Boat Hook Sunburn Lotion
Mooring Lines Ring Buoy or Boat Cushion
Binoculars Whistle or Horn
Extra Clothing Portable Radio
Chart and Compass Marine Hardware
Food & Water Spare Keys
Sunglasses Spare Parts
Spare Propellers Spare Propeller Hub Kits
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