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Safety On Board
Inflatable life rafts
are recommended
for ocean going and
vessels operating in a
large body of water
like the Great Lakes.
They provide a shelter for extended periods. If used, make
sure it is large enough for all aboard and contains the
proper emergency equipment pack. Also, periodically have
the unit professionally serviced. Make sure the life raft is
Coast Guard approved since it would require meeting a
number of stringent material and performance standards.
LIFE RAFTS
USCG MINIMUM EQUIPMENT
REQUIREMENTS
Use the chart below as a guideline for assuring your vessel
is outtted to meet USCG standards. Remember to check
with local and state authorities for additional equipment
requirements. Make sure your vessel certicate of numbers
are on the boat, updated and displayed properly according
to state requirements. Keep the paperwork on board in a
watertight and safe environment. Make sure it is quickly
accessible.
On documented vessels keep both the original and current
certicate on board stored in a safe, dry, and accessible
location. Also, on documented vessels make sure the vessel
name/hailing port are marked on the hull exterior with
letters not less than 4” in height. In addition, the Ofcial
Number must be permanently afxed on a clearly visible
interior structure part of the boat-block type Arabic
numbers not less than 3” in height.