4 Required Safety EquipmentSailboats 26 Feet but Less Than 40 Feet In Length

July 06, 2021

What safety equipment do you need for your sailboat?

1. Title and Registration Numbers

Title and registration numbers are required.

2. Personal Flotation Devices

One US Coast Guard approved wearable device is required for each person on board. One US Coast Guard approved throwable device (Type IV) is required on board and readily accessible. Inflatable PFDs are authorized only when used according to the instructions on US Coast Guard approval labels.

Each wearable PFD should be readily accessible, in serviceable condition, and of the appropriate size for the intended user. Wearable devices should also be approved for the activity taking place and used according to the instructions on its label. Learn more about PFD fit and types.

3. Visual Distress Signals

Visual distress signals that are US Coast Guard-approved for day and night use are required if operating in coastal waters of the state. Visual distress signals must be readily accessible, in working condition, and unexpired (if expiration date is shown).

4. Lights

US Coast Guard-approved red and green side lights and a white stern light are required when not at dock. White lights shall be visible at a distance of at least two (2) miles. Colored lights shall be visible at a distance of at least one (1) mile. "Visible" when applied to lights means visible on dark nights with clear atmosphere.

Power-driven sailboats shall exhibit navigation lights as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2.

Red and green side lights, and white lights positioned above and/or at rear of vessel

Manually-driven sailboats may combine the required navigation lights in one lantern. The lantern must be carried at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen and exhibited while the vessel is underway. Manually-driven vessels include those that are paddled, poled, oared, or windblown.

US Coast Guard-approved lights must be:

serviceable,
displayed from sunset to sunrise in all weather,
displayed during restricted visibility, and
visible all around the horizon.

Any other lights on the vessel:

must not be exhibited in a way that may be mistaken for navigation lights;
must not impair the visibility or distinctive characteristics of navigation lights; and
must not interfere with the keeping of a proper lookout.

MORE INFORMATION:

POWERBOATS

11 Required Safety Equipment For Powerboats 40 Feet but Less Than 65 Feet In Length

10 Required Safety Equipment For Powerboats 26 Feet but Less Than 40 Feet In Length

SAILBOATS

4 Required Safety EquipmentSailboats 26 Feet but Less Than 40 Feet In Length

4 Required Safety Equipment For Sailboats 40 Feet but Less Than 65 Feet In Length

References:

Sailboats 26 Feet but Less Than 40 Feet In Length: Required Safety Equipment