Important Boating Safety Accessories

If you’re new to boat ownership, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of boating safety accessories available on the market. While it’s better to be safe than sorry, you don’t need to purchase every accessory on the shelf to ensure you’re safe while on your boat. For a list of required safety accessories you’ll need for your first boating trip, check out our article below.

PFDs 

While a minimum of two personal flotation devices (PFDs) will need to be kept on board at all times, as a boat owner it’s your responsibility to ensure that each one of your passengers has access to their own PFD while aboard your model. If your boat is over 16 feet in length, it’s also required to have a throwable PFD on board your boat in case of emergencies. 

Fire Extinguishers 

While all boats will need at minimum one functioning fire extinguisher on deck at all times, the rules regarding how many fire extinguishers you need to have on board and how large they need to be will vary from state to state. To ensure you’re in accordance with local laws and regulations, be sure to research your region’s boating safety laws. 

Distress Signals 

While rules regarding distress signals will also vary from region to region, generally speaking, you’re expected to have at least one signal that’s visible at night, as well as two sound distress signals. This can include anything from a sports whistle to a flare gun, so be sure to look up local ordinances to ensure your signals of choice are in accordance with local laws. 

Need more information on boat safety laws in your area? If you’re located nearby in Albany or Amsterdam, NY, we recommend making a stop here at Snug Harbor Marina, INC to get all the info you need on local laws and ordinances. Our expert staff here in Ticonderoga & Silver Bay, NY will have no problems answering any and all of your safety questions, and we look forward to assisting you with all of your boating needs.