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Registration Numbers:
Your boat registration numbers must be displayed on each side of the
forward half of your boat, in block letters at least 3 inches high--in a color
that contrasts with that of your boat, so the numbers will stand out--with
the state registration decal beside it. Registration papers must be kept
on board the boat. If your boat is a documented vessel [registered with
the U. S. Coast Guard], the documentation number must be marked
permanently on a visible part of the interior structure, the papers must be
readily accessible and your boat's name and hailing port must be
displayed on the outside of the hull]. |
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Personal Floatation Devices [PFDs]:
You must have one U. S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board for
each person on the boat, with special smaller sizes for any children who
are going along. All life jackets must be unwrapped and readily
accessible. All boats 16 feet or longer also must have throwable PFDs,
such as floatable boat-cushions, life-rings or horseshoe-shaped buoys.
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Visual Distress Signals:
Orange flag with black square in the middle. Signal light. Minimum
flares, aerial rockets or other approved signals. Be sure they have not
expired. |
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Fire Extinguishers:
Minimum for size and type of boat. Mounted, with pressure gauge in
green area or extinguisher displaying current inspection tag.
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Ventilation:
Boats with gasoline engines in closed compartments must have approved
blower system to rid the boat of explosive vapors. Warning must be posted.
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Backfire Flame Control:
All gasoline-powers inboard or inboard/outboard motorboats must be
equipped with an approved backfire flame-control device. |
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Sound Producing Devices:
Whistle, horn or siren capable of producing a 4-second blast audible for
half a mile. Boats larger than 39.4 feet also must have a bell. |
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Navigation Lights:
All boats 16 feet or longer must have properly installed, working navigation
lights and an independently operated anchor light that is visible from all
directions. |
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Pollution and Marpol Trash Placards:
Boats 26 feet and longer that have a machinery compartment must display
an oily waste pollution placard. All boats 26 feet or longer must display
a MARPOL trash placard. Boats 40 feet or longer also must display a
written trash-disposal plan. |
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Marine Sanitation Devices [Heads]:
Any toilet installed aboard a boat must be one that bears a manufacturer's
label showing that it has been approved by the U. S. Coast Guard. Any
overboard discharge outlets must be capable of being sealed.
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Navigation Rules:
All boats 39.4 feet or longer must have a current copy of the Navigation
Rules on board. |
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State and Local Requirements:
Your boat must meet state and local requirements before we can award
you your decal. These are available from state or local authorities.
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Overall Vessel Condition:
Boat must be in reasonably good condition with sound hull structure,
free from fire hazards, with reasonably clean bilges. Automobile parts
may not be used in boat engines. The engine horsepower must not
exceed the maximum shown on the deck plate. The electrical system
must be protected by fuses or manual reset circuit-breakers. Switches
and fuse-panels must be protected from rain or spray. Wiring must be
in good condition, properly installed and with no exposed areas or
deteriorated insulation. Batteries must be secured and terminals covered.
Fuel tanks must be free of corrosion or leaks. Galley fuel tanks and
heating systems must be properly secured.
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