3.2
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
U.S. Coast Guard regulations require certain safety and
emergency equipment to be kept aboard. For the safety and
comfort of all passengers, it is the owner’s priority re-
sponsibility to learn and procure the equipment and to
maintain it in proper working condition. Contact your lo-
cal U.S.C.G. office for more complete required and recom-
mended equipment lists. The following is not intended to
be all inclusive.
Distress Signals: The U.S.C.G. requires visual distress
signals be kept aboard boats 16 feet or more in length,
and by all boats operating at night. Be familiar with
their employment and keep them up to date.
Flotation Devices: One approved life preserver is required
for each passenger aboard by the U.S.C.G. It is also rec-
ommended that a horseshoe life ring or floating seat cushion
be kept ready in the cockpit in case of a man over-board
situation. It is also prudent to carry safety harnesses and
to wear these at night and in foul weather.
Fire Extinguisher:' Two fire extinguishers are required and
should be located for quick access.
Ground Tackle: Please refer for anchor and rode size suggestions
to the table on the following page. In general, at least two
anchors with proper size rodes should be carried. One can be
stowed in a locker while the other should be ready to use. The
length of the rode should be determined by the depth of the
water where you sail. A ratio of 7 ft. rode to 1 ft. water
depth is desirable. In some areas an all chain rode is recom-
mended to prevent chafing on a rope. In general- an all chain
rode is more suitable for use with an anchor windlass. It is
common practice to carry a small "lunch hook" for easier short
term anchorage with someone staying aboard.
Additional Equipment: Other items, some of which are required,
that should be kept on board include: soft wood plugs for the
seacocks, bell, hand and air horns, flashlights, first aid kit,
bucket with lanyard, radar reflector, heaving line, and tools
and spare parts.
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