Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats

Federal requirements for recreational boats, established by the U.S. Coast Guard, are designed to promote safety on the water and apply to privately operated vessels used for leisure. These regulations vary depending on the size and type of the boat but generally mandate proper vessel registration, display of identification numbers, and the presence of essential safety equipment such as life jackets (PFDs), fire extinguishers, navigation lights, sound-producing devices, and visual distress signals. Additionally, boats must comply with rules for safe loading, proper ventilation, and pollution prevention. These requirements are enforced under the authority of the Federal Boat Safety Act and detailed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), primarily Titles 33 and 46.0