Last updated: May 28, 2026
Boating Safety Equipment 101 – Safety first and the fun follows.
Dreams do come true when you find your perfect boat. It’s terrific to have all the required boating safety equipment aboard, but it is essential that you know how to use it. Most important, consider where to stow your safety equipment to be readily available in an emergency. In this case, out of sight can be dangerously out of mind. So, make safety fun.
Safety Starts at the Dock
While walking down the docks of most marinas, we all crane our necks to see other boat designs with clever names on the transom. Maybe we get an eyeful of the layout and latest equipment on board too. Well, slow your stroll and think about escape plans in case you fall overboard from the very dock where you are strolling.
Man overboard can easily happen while pulling a dock cart full of groceries or while you are aboard. So, look at swim platforms or marina ladders on these nearby boats. Are throw rings easily accessible? Be aware and observe it all.
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Personal Flotation Devices
Inviting guests aboard is a great way to share the fun of boating. Don’t forget the safety talk including where to find all safety equipment—Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), a throw ring, rescue rope, life raft, etc. After all, you might be the one who needs them!
If the PFDs are under a seat or in a cabinet, clearly mark that storage location for all to see. Show your guests how to put one on. Fit and function will determine a successful outcome.
Inflatable PFDs may be more comfortable to wear so it’s important to understand the different designs and how they work. Some will only inflate when you pull a cord while others auto inflate when you fall overboard. If you’ve never seen one inflate, be sure to click on the QR code (next page) for a quick demonstration.
All inflatables must have a CO2 cartridge properly installed so check each time you put yours on. Unfortunately, no inflatables meet USCG regulations for children younger than age 16 or less than 80 pounds. Read the labels printed on the PFD itself for specific directions.
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Throwables
Life rings often hang from the sides of the boat with the boat name and hailing port for all to see but baking in the sun. Check the attached poly rope for fraying which is a sign that the ring must be replaced.
A Type IV seat cushion also meets the requirement for a throwable. The cushion is easy to toss just like the ring. Keep it close to the helm as a back rest or booster seat so it is within your reach instantly.
A rescue throw bag with a line inside is a terrific supplement to your life ring or type IV cushion. Easy to stow, it can be kept close to the helm to throw at a moment’s notice. Hang it from the underside of the helm seat next to your throwable. When the weather keeps you at the dock, practice with this safety equipment and build some muscle memory with your crew. Make it a contest and your boat neighbors will want to join in on the fun!
Life Raft
There are two basic styles of life rafts—a hard fiberglass box and a soft valise. The box or clamshell design should be permanently mounted on deck somewhere so it can float free and inflate in an emergency. A hydrostatic release mechanism will not activate until the unit submerges 5 to 12 feet underwater. You can manually release it if you want to be proactive to launch and inflate the raft sooner. Toss the clamshell raft overboard, then pull on the 50-foot painter to pop the shell open while it simultaneously inflates.
A soft valise life raft can be stowed in the cabin when the boat is at the dock. But when the boat is in use, bring the valise outside and secure the painter to your vessel cleat for easy access.
Visual Distress Signals
When you have an emergency, first call a “mayday” on your VHF radio, then reach for your Visual Distress Signals (VDS) or flares. Understand their intended use, the waters where you plan to navigate, and stow them in a very accessible location.
VDS are available in two categories—Alert and Locate. The Alert category may be an aerial flare shot up into the sky and seen over 20 miles away.
Light pollution may be a factor, but an arcing flare going up and back down is distinctive. All boaters should pay attention and respond to the Alert.
Electronic beacons that flash a programmed SOS Morse Code are in the Locate category. These can be handheld or clipped to your PFD so nearby rescuers can easily find you.
Safety First
You’ll be happy if you never use any of your boating safety equipment in an emergency. But be sure all crew and guests know where to find and how to use this gear.
Safety first and the fun follows.
-by Capt. Chris Caldwell
