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Most states don’t require boaters to purchase insurance for their watercraft. However, many marinas do require some form of insurance if you wish to use a slip or mooring. Additionally, your bank will require insurance if you are financing the purchase of a boat. Even if these requirements don’t apply in your situation, it’s still generally a good idea to get boat insurance.
Personal Flotation Devices Are Classified By Types Indicated Below:
- Type I: Has the greatest required buoyancy and is designed to turn most unconscious persons in the water from a face down position to a vertical or slightly backward position. The Type I PFD provides the greatest protection to its wearer and is most effective for all waters.
- Type II: A wearable device designed to turn its wearer in a vertical or slightly backward position in the water. The turning action is not as pronounced as with a Type I, and the device will not turn as many persons under the same conditions as the Type I.
- Type III: A wearable device designed so the wearers can place themselves in a vertical or slightly backward position. While the Type III has the same buoyancy as the Type II PFD, it has a little or no turning ability. A Type III comes in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. Many are designed to be particularly useful when water skiing, sailing, hunting, fishing or engaging in other water sports. Several of this type will also provide increased hypothermia protection.
- Type IV: A device designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued. It is not designed to be worn. The most common Type IV devices are a buoyant cushion and a ring buoy.
- Type V: Any PFD approved for restricted use. Approved flotation devices which are partially or totally inflatable must be worn to be accepted as a legal device.
Vessels Less Than 16′
- Personal Flotation Devices: One Type I, II, III or V per person. PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, wearable by the inteded user and readily accessible.
- Fire Extinguishers: One B-I, any type. Fire extinguishers required on boats with enclosed engine compartments , enclosed living spaces or permanent fuel tanks.
- Visual Distress Signals: Night signals required when operating at night date of manufacture must be within 42 months of the current date.
- Sound Producing Devices: Horn or whistle recommended to signal intentions or signal position.
- Vessels with installed toilet facilities must have an operable, Coast Guard-certified Type I, II or III Device . Subject to local laws.
- Pollution Regulation Placards: No placards required.
- Backfire Flame Arrestor: One Coast Guard-approved device on each carburetor of all gasoline-powered engines built after August 1980, except outboard motors.
- Ventilation: Coast Guard-standard system required on gasoline-powered vessels with enclosed engine compartments built after August 1980.
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A Vhf Radio & Your Cell Phone
We highly recommend having a VHF radio onboard in case of an emergency. Unlike cell phones, VHF radios can operate without a network, so it can be a great tool to have if you need to call for help or on-water assistance.
Of course, one of the great things about being on a boat is that it allows you to un-plug from the rest of the world, and enjoy nature and the great outdoors without having to answer every ring and ping of the cell phone. So we think that you should feel free to turn that cell phone off and stow it away, or at least set it to mute. You should still, however, bring it aboard.
While in some cases you may be able to use your cell phone to call for assistance, it can also come in handy as a navigational device, a weather monitor, or even a fishing tool.
Check out Best Boating Apps: Navigation, Fishing, Weather, and More, to discover all the different ways your cell phone can make boating a better experience above and beyond serving as a communications device.
Mandatory Safety Equipment In Canada
This summary of federal regulations is provided as a convenience ONLY. It is highly recommended to download a copy of the “Safe Boating Guide” for all equipment requirements. Government Links
The Canadian Small Vessel Regulations have mandated minimum equipment on board a vessel in Canada, from small rowboats to large cruisers. You can be charged up to $200 for each safety item you don’t have on board!
The required equipment must be carried on board, be in good working order, maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and available immediately in case of emergency. The number of flares required is reduced by half if the craft has a two-way VHF radio or cellphone.
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How Do I License A Pleasure Craft That I Bought In The United States Or That I Bought In A Country Other Than Canada
To license a new or used pleasure craft you bought in the United States, or in any country other than Canada, follow the application instructions given for I just bought a new pleasure craft. How do I license it? You may apply for a Pleasure Craft Licence online through the Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System , or you may submit your application, by post.
NOTE: In the PCELS, when completing the New Application: Vessel Information, select the “Imported” button, as Origin of Craft : .
On the Application Form, “FOREIGN” must be indicated/checked in section “C” – Unlicensed pleasure craft.
You do not need to provide customs clearance documents to license a pleasure craft that you purchased outside of Canada, but you still need to remit duty and taxes on the purchase to the Canada Border Services Agency.
For information on how to remit duty and taxes on the purchase of a pleasure craft, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency Web site or call 1-800-461-9999.
A pleasure craft can only have one licence issued either in Canada or in the United States . It cannot have both. Displaying both licence numbers can result in a fine.
In order for a pleasure craft to be eligible for a Canadian licence, it must be principally maintained and operated in Canada.
Return to: Application Information | Top of Page
How Do I Submit My Application By Post
The paper “Application for a Pleasure Craft Licence” along with the required supporting documentation is to be sent by post to the Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre:
Pleasure Craft Licensing CentreFredericton, New BrunswickE3B 5G4
Please allow five business days plus mailing time to process your application. Applications cannot be processed unless you provide complete information and include all required supporting documentation.
Return to: Application Information | Top of Page
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Life Jacket Requirements In Texas
All Texas water vessels are required to have United States Coast Guard approved life jackets or personal flotation devices on board. The amount and types of PFDs required depends on the type of vessel and the number of passengers. You can find a guide for PFD requirements on the TPWD website.
Texas Boating Laws: Life Jackets
Texas law states that all passengers under the age of 13 must wear a USCG approved life jacket when any vessel less than 26 feet in length is underway. If the vessel is anchored or aground, then a life jacket is not required.
PWC Life Jacket Requirements
Anyone who is riding or being towed behind a personal watercraft, such as a jet ski or water scooter, must wear an approved PFD at all times.
Even if you are not required by law to wear a life jacket, it is in your best interest to wear one when on a boat. In case of a boating accident, such as flooding or falling overboard, a life jacket could save your life. The life jackets should be easily accessible in case of emergencies.
Vessels 65′ To Less Than 165′
- Personal Flotation Devices: One Type I, II, III or V per person plus one Type IV throwable. PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, wearable by the intended user and readily accessible.
- Fire Extinguishers: Vessels weighing up to 50 gross tons must carry at least one B-II extinguisher. Vessels weighing 50 to 100 gross tons must carry two B-II extinguishers.
- Visual Distress Signals: Minimum of three-day use and three-night use or three day/night combination pyrotechnic devices. Non-pyrotechnic substitutes: one orange distress flag and one electric SOS signal light . Pyrotechnic signals must be have a manufacture date within 42 months of the current date.
- Sound Producing Devices: One bell and one whistle or horn required to signal intentions or position.
- A copy of the Inland Navigation Rules must be kept on board.
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Us Coast Guard Required Equipment For Recreational Vessels
New boats normally include the gear you need to meet minimum U.S. Coast Guard requirements. This includes safety gear, a sanitation device, required waste, oil and garbage placards and other items. While youre newly commissioned boat might be legally ready for service, we suggest that there may be some additional items to consider before you cast off.
U.S. Coast Guard regulations are designed to keep you safe on the water. The safety gear that you are required to carry depends on the size of your vessel and we’ll outline exactly what you need to meet the coast guard requirements. Find the range that your boat belongs to below to determine what safety gear you need to carry. Keep in mind that these are minimum requirements and we’ll discuss extra safety measures later on that you can take to keep yourself and your crew safe on the water.
I Just Bought A Used Pleasure Craft How Do I Transfer The Licence To My Name
Modifications to the Small Vessel Regulations, s. 103 have changed the Pleasure Craft Licensing process:
- 103. A pleasure craft that is the subject of a transfer of ownership may be operated until the day on which the new owner of the pleasure craft receives a transferred licence, up to a maximum of 90 days from the day of the transfer of ownership, if documents are carried on board confirming the name and address of the new owner and the date of the transfer of ownership.
To transfer a Canadian licensed pleasure craft to your name, you have two options in submitting your request – You can request a request for the transfer of the pleasure craft licence number online through the Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System , or you can submit your “Application for a Pleasure Craft Licence” form, by post.
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New York Boating Laws And Regulations
New New York Boating Safety Certificate Certificate Law as of January 1st, 2020:
As of January 1st, 2020 all boat operators in New York who were born on or after January 1, 1993 are required to obtain a Boating Safety Certificate to operate a motorized boat or PWC. The new Boating Safety Education law will be phased in over a period of 6 years. As of January 1, 2025, all operators of motorized boats or PWCs in New York will need to get certified.
OFFICIAL AND APPROVED
Introduction To The Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System
Transport Canada, the Office of Boating Safetyis pleased to offer the online Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System as the preferred and quickest method in applying for a pleasure craft licence.
This new system will allow a pleasure craft owner to do the following transactions online:
If the request for a pleasure craft licence is supported by the proper documentation, the permanent pleasure craft licence issued upon verification of the submitted request, will be identical to the acknowledgment number initially issued.
If any supporting documentation is found to be missing, an e-mail will be sent on the 45th and 75th day after the initial request for a pleasure craft licence was submitted notifying the applicant of any missing documentation and providing an URL whereby the document can be uploaded in order to validate the pleasure craft licensing request.
If the requested document is not received within 90 days, the application for a pleasure craft licence is automatically rejected and the acknowledgment number is cancelled.
THE ISSUED ACKNOWLEDGMENT NUMBER CANNOT BE REINSTATED once the initial application has been rejected and the applicant will have to resubmit their pleasure craft licence request as well as provide all the supporting documentation.
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Vessels 16′ To Less Than 26′
- Personal Flotation Devices: One Type I, II, III or V per person plus one Type IV throwable. PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, wearable by the intended user and readily accessible.
- Fire Extinguishers: One B-I, any type. Fire extinguishers required on boats with enclosed engine compartments , enclosed living spaces or permanent fuel tanks.
- Visual Distress Signals: Minimum of three-day use and three-night use or three day/night combination pyrotechnic devices. Non-pyrotechnic substitutes: one orange distress flag and one electric SOS signal light . Pyrotechnic signals must be have a manufacture date within 42 months of the current date.
- Sound Producing Devices: Horn or whistle recommended to signal intentions or signal position.
- Vessels with installed toilet facilities must have an operable, Coast Guard-certified Type I, II or III Marine Sanitation Device . Subject to local laws.
- Pollution Regulation Placards: No placards required.
- Backfire Flame Arrestor: One Coast Guard-approved device on each carburetor of all gasoline-powered engines built after August 1980, except outboard motors.
- Ventilation: Coast Guard-standard system required on gasoline-powered vessels with enclosed engine compartments built after August 1980.
Standard Horizon Hx300 Floating Handheld Vhf
The HX300 is an extremely compact 5W handheld VHF radio. If dropped overboard, a flashing strobe light is activated to help recover the unit. Key features include programmable scan, priority scan, tri-watch and dual-watch functions, 10-channel presets, 600mW internal audio speaker, and an easily operated menu.
- Submersible IPX8 5FT for 30 minutes
- Floating
The Ocean Signal range of survival craft VHF hand portable radio-telephones exceeds the requirements of IMO, SOLAS, and GMDSS.
- Lithium polymer rechargeable battery option available with rapid charger, for everyday normal use
- Fully waterproof, even 40C thermal shock
- High-efficiency transmitter for maximum battery life
- The rugged design exceeds GMDSS environmental requirements
- Lithium primary battery for emergency use
- Battery provides in excess of 16 hours of typical operation
- High contrast, backlit LCD, and keypad
- Rugged accessory socket option waterproof to IP68 for use with headsets, helmets, fist mikes, etc.
- 4 scanning modes, D/W, T/W, scan, and memory scan
- 21 simplex channels according to IMO SOLAs requirements
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Us Coast Guard Minimum Requirements For Recreational Boats
by Chris RileyUpdated on May 8, 2021.
Boat Safe is a community supported site. We may earn comission from links on this page, but we have confidence in all recommended products.
This is the current up-to-date list of the U.S Coast Guards minimum safety requirements for recreational boats with sizes of up to 65 ft in size. These requirements detail what boating safety equipment must be present on board, and other necessary features that must be installed to comply with federal laws.
Its worth noting that these are only the minimum requirements, and we recommend that you exceed them if you can. Similarly, these USCG rules are only the federal requirements. Individual states may have additions to this list, with additional equipment and operating standards require on top of these minimum requirements. Check with your local authorities to find out the specifics.
Do I Have To Pay Taxes When Buying A New Or Used Pleasure Craft
For the application of the Goods and Services Tax or Harmonized Sales Tax to the supply of a new or used boat, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency by calling 1-800-959-8287.
Additionally, Provincial Sales Tax may need to be paid to the provincial/territorial government. You should contact your provincial/territorial Ministry of Finance to get more information on how to remit the PST.
For links to provincial/territorial departments of finance, business service centres, and other tax and financial services please visit the related provincial and territorial Canada Revenue Agency web sites.
Return to: Financial Information | Top of Page
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Icom M93d Handheld Vhf Marine Transceiver With Gps
The M93D radio is professional and stylish with an easy-to-use interface. The M93 is slender, has a 2-tone body, is feature-rich and smart. Enjoy Icoms continued tradition of Floatn Flash, AquaQuake, and Active Noise Cancelling. The M93D will keep you safe with integrated GPS providing location, bearing, and speed. Plus this handheld meets ITU-R M493-13 Class D DSC with a dedicated built-in DSC receiver for CH 70. Icoms new M93D is built for the serious boater. Learn more
Equip For The Conditions
The ResQLink View Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon has a small digital display that confirms that your message has sent and will display your GPS coordinates in case you need to provide your location to search and rescue personnel over a VHF radio.
You can never be too prepared for an emergency and you should consider the specific conditions you may encounter before you head out on your voyage including:
Water temperature: Few environments in the world are as dangerous to humans as cold water. If you operate your boat in the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes or in other cold-water regions, bring gear that protects you and your crew from hypothermia.
Poor visibility: High quality navigation lights, sound signals and radar units can lessen the danger of low visibility conditions like fog or rainsqualls.
Distance from help: If your cruising route includes the coast of Mexico, Bermuda or a trip to Hawaii, you’ll be far from the convenience of your local boating supply store and far from the security of the US Coast Guard. The need to be self-sufficient is greatly increased away from inland and coastal US waters.
Rapidly changing weather conditions: Many boating areas are subject to squalls or other fast moving weather systems that can stir up trouble in a hurry. Boats operating in these areas should have gear aboard which can be used defensively, like larger anchors, lightning detectors and grounds, mainsail reefing equipment, drogues and sea anchors.
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