Call Us 833-493-4678 ☰ ˟
Logo
Call Us 833-4WE-INSURE (833-493-4678)
  • HOME
  • OUR PRODUCTS
    • Automobile
    • Business & Commercial
    • Cyber Liability
    • Farm/Crop/Livestock/Equipment
    • General Liability
    • Home
    • Life
    • Motorcycle
    • Personal Umbrella
    • Recreational Vehicle
    • Renters
    • Umbrella
    • Watercraft & Boat
    • Workers Compensation
  • BLOG
  • RESOURCES
    • Refer a Friend
    • Important Links
    • Insurance Glossary
  • ABOUT US
    • About Us
    • We're Hiring!
    • Employee Directory
    • Privacy Policy
    • Get Your Nationwide Coverage
  • OUR LOCATIONS
    • Lexington Office
    • Covington Office
    • Staunton Office
  • CONTACT US
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Newsletter
Home > Blog > Do I need safety equipment on my boat?
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Do I need safety equipment on my boat?

Humans aren’t marine animals. We can swim, sometimes well, but we aren’t meant to spend all our lives in bodies of water, or to survive in it long-term. Still, we are nautical creatures, and millions of Americans use boats for recreation, transportation or commercial purposes. Still, your boat is supposedimage of family on boat to help you avoid becoming stuck in the water. However, sometimes boats can become safety risks, and since you aren’t on dry land, you need to have the proper safety equipment available to keep yourself safe. Consider a benefits of a few of these items.

Do laws require boats to have safety equipment?

Boats are vehicles. In many cases they are motor vehicles in the same way that cars are, they just operate on water instead of pavement. Most states enforce numerous operational safety laws, such as laws against boating under the influence (BUI), that are designed to keep boaters safe. So, just as you have to obey the speed limits

States also require boaters to observe certain safety precautions, including by carrying certain safety equipment. You can think of these items the same way you would think of a car’s seat belts or headlights. Safety equipment can help boaters protect themselves in case of hazards.

The Items You Might Need

There are numerous safety items that you should have on your boat. Sometimes, your state will even require you to carry some of these items at all times.

  • Life Jackets: Many states have laws that require vessels to carry life jackets for all passengers, or at least, for passengers who are under 18 years old. Regardless of the law, you should carry life jackets for all of your passengers at all times.
  • Rafts: Some boats must be equipped with at least one life raft, a lifeline or buoys to aid in flotation in case someone becomes incapacitated in the water.
  • Emergency Signals: You usually have to carry emergency signals, like visual pyrotechnic flares, though this requirement might vary based on the size of your boat.
  • Fire Extinguishers: Fire suppressant systems are mandatory on most vessels. However, the size and type of system you need can vary.
  • Lights and Whistles: Such signals are very important in helping you attract assistance in case of a problem on the vessel. Not only that, they also can help you avoid potential collision risks in the first place.

When you purchase your boat, talk to your dealer about the types of equipment you might need to have aboard. You can also contact your states boat registration department to learn more about meeting these regulations. Still, don’t forget, the more safety devices you carry, the more secure you might be during an excursion. Always carry protection in excess of what’s required of you.

Posted 10:56 AM

Tags: boat insurance, safety tips
Share |


No Comments


Post a Comment
Required
Required (Not Displayed)
Required


All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019

  • home insurance(8)
  • auto insurance(6)
  • business insurance(5)
  • general liability insurance(3)
  • tips(3)
  • commercial property insurance(3)
  • boat insurance(3)
  • farm insurance(3)
  • renters insurance(2)
  • flood insurance(2)
  • bop insurance(2)
  • workers compensation insurance(2)
  • motorcycle insurance(2)
  • commercial insurance(2)
  • workers compensation(1)
  • recreational vehicle insurance(1)
  • contractors insurance(1)
  • lower auto insurance rates(1)
  • medical payments insurance(1)
  • business owners policy(1)
  • bodily injury liability(1)
  • safety tips(1)
  • homeowners insurance(1)
  • car insurance(1)
  • inland marine insurance(1)
  • commercial auto insurance(1)
  • renters(1)

View Mobile Version
Carrier

Carrier

Carrier
Carrier
Carrier
Carrier
Carrier

Westfield Insurance

Perfect Pair - State Auto - Illinois Restaurant Association

Church Insurance | General Liability | Milledgeville, GA

 

Home| Get A Quote| Customer Service| Blog| About Us| Contact| Refer A Friend

Main Office
209 S Main St. | Lexington, VA 24450
(540) 463-7719 | (540) 261-2200 | info@huffmaninsuranceagencies.com
Social Social Social Social
Logo


Powered by Insurance Website Builder