A "Class 1" boat is a recreational vessel that is 16 feet (4.9 meters) to 26 feet (7.9 meters)in length.
**Minimum Required Safety Equipment**
1. Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
There must be at least one approved Type I, II or III PFD for each and every person on board. This rule also applies to people who may be being towed on tubes, skis, or any other type of device. PFDs must be USCG approved as well as they must be in good serviceable condition. Additionally, all PFD's not in use need to be stored away properly. A Type V vest is allowed to be used in place of a Type I, II or III device. When used, the Type V vest must be worn if the vessel is underway or not. It must also be worn if the person in not inside an enclosed area.
Class A: Each person under the age of six years must wear an approved Type I, II or III PFD while the vessel is is motion.
Personal Watercraft/Water Skier: Operator of the watercraft must wear a Type I, II or III while the vessel is in motion. Any and all people who engage in water skiing is required wear an approved Type I, II or III PFD. Inflatable PFDs are currently prohibited.
Type I: Offshore Jacket Ideal for use in ALL waters and conditions. This type of vest is perfect for open or isolated waters where there may be some delay in rescue.
Important factors: This type of floatation device will flip unconscious wearers to the face up position. Child size offers approximately 11 pounds of buoyancy. The adult size offers approximately 22 pounds of buoyancy.
Type II: Near-shore Vest For use in placid waters where rescue is likely to occur quickly. Will likely not turn unconscious wearers face up in the event of an emergency.
Important factors: This type of floatation device is designed in such a way that it may turn some unconscious wearers face up. Infant size vests offer approximately 7 pounds of buoyancy. The child size offers approximately 11 pounds of buoyancy. The adult size offers approximately 15.5 pounds of buoyancy.
Type III: Flotation Aid For use in waters and conditions where the chance of swift rescue is relatively high. Wearers must put themselves in face up position.
Important factors: This type of floatation device will not flip wearer face up so wearers must put themselves in the face up position. Floatation devices in this category offer the same levels of buoyancy as Type II floatation devices.
Type IV: Toss-able Device Use in all waters where help is available. It is not worn nor meant for long-term use. It is meant to be used in waters where there is heavy traffic.
Important factors: Type IV personal floatation devices are not intended to be worn but rather to offer help. They are designed to be thrown and held on to until recuse can arrive. These include things like life preservers, rings, cushions, etc. They are usually designed to offer at least 16.5 pounds of buoyancy.
Type V: Special Use Check the label on the device and be aware of it's proper usage. Some provide additional protection from hypothermia.
Important factors: Type V personal floatation devices are often considered special use devices. Some are built for cooler waters, some can detect hypothermia, some must be worn to be effective. Make sure to pay attention to the labels on Type V devices to use them properly.
2. Fire Extinguisher
Your fire extinguisher MUST be U.S. Coast Guard Approved as well as be in serviceable condition.
A minimum of one USCG-approved B-1 type fire extinguisher is required for all recreational motorboats by law. The only possible exemption is conditions where outboard-powered motorboats that are under 26 feet long have been constructed in such a way that will not allow gas fumes to build up. If a boat has a one or more fuel tanks built in, an inboard engine, one or more compartments that can be used to store fuel tanks, or any open areas between the deck and the hull, there must be at least one fire extinguisher on board. Boats that do not have a motor are currently exempt from the fire extinguisher requirements under law.
NOTE: If a vessel has an approved fire extinguishing system installed within the machinery space, that is be counted in place of the B-I type hand-held portable fire extinguisher. Specific mounting brackets will be required for certain fire extinguishers. These brackets are required meet certain standards in order to be approved. Read the label on your fire extinguisher for more information.
3. Visual Distress Signal
Visual distress signals come in a variety of sizes styles. Hand held flares, pistol launched flares, as well as parachute flares are all common examples. Other examples may include things like; floating smoke signals, electric distress lights & more. It is vital that you select the correct visual distress signal that is able to be seen in both daytime and nighttime. The best plan of action is to have several different types of visual distress signals available. This way you can use the most appropriate given the situation at hand.
All Class A vessels are required to carry a visual distress signal. Vessels must carry visual distress signals when on the water during dark hours regardless. Coastal waters in relation to Florida is currently considered to be The Atlantic Ocean and The Gulf of Mexico. This includes and all harbors, rivers, bays, & inlets where an entrance is larger than 2 miles wide.
4. Sound Generating Device
Sound producing devices include whistles, horns, bells and similar type of instruments. A vessel that is less than 40 feet (12 meters) must carry an effective sound generating device at all times. The type of device does not need to meet any set of standards as so long as the required signals can be produced effectively.
5. Flame Control System
All Class A vessels with engines installed after April 25th, 1940 must possess at least one efficient way to control backfire flame. This does not apply to any outboard motors currently. Flame arrestors are commonly used in order to prevent combustion as well as the spreading of fire.
All flame arrestors need to be approved by the USCG.
6. Ventilation System
If the vessel was built PRIOR to August 1st, 1980
It will require a minimum of two ventilation ducts that are properly fitted with cowls or similar equivalents. These are used to properly ventilate the bilges of each closed engine as well as fuel tank compartments.
If the vessel was built AFTER August 1st, 1980
It will require at least two ventilation ducts designed to effectively ventilate each closed compartment holding a gasoline engine and closed compartments that hold gasoline tank/s. This does not currently apply to vessels in which the tanks have been permanently installed and vent to the outside of the boat.
7. Proper Lighting
All recreational vehicles are required by law to display the correct navigation lights at all times. They must be used in the times between sunset and sunrise as well as periods of reduced visibility where there is fog, haze or rain. The USCG Navigation Rules have specific requirements for types of lighting. Be aware of your vessel class as it will have specific requirements. For further specifications related to lighting on a boat, please refer here.