Laws & Regulations
Boaters must know the state and national boating regulations that govern recreational sailing. Learn what safety equipment you must have on your boat, depending on its size and use, and the rules for who has the right of way when boats meet on the water.
Legal Requirements for Inflatable PFDs
Inflatable PFDs now meet Coast Guard requirements and have key benefits over regular lifejackets, but you must understand how to care for and use the inflation device.
Inflatable PFDs now meet Coast Guard requirements and have key benefits over regular lifejackets, but you must understand how to care for and use the inflation device.
State Boating Regulations
Learn the laws of your state regarding boat registration, state PFD and equipment requirements, waste and oil disposal, boat speed limits, and other legal requirements.
Learn the laws of your state regarding boat registration, state PFD and equipment requirements, waste and oil disposal, boat speed limits, and other legal requirements.
US Coast Guard Federal Boating Regulations
Sailors must know and comply with all appropriate federal boating safety regulations and the Coast Guard Navigation Rules. Learn the federal boating safety requirements and what safety equipment is required on boats of different sizes.
Sailors must know and comply with all appropriate federal boating safety regulations and the Coast Guard Navigation Rules. Learn the federal boating safety requirements and what safety equipment is required on boats of different sizes.
Required Visual Distress Signals
The U.S. Coast Guard requires all boats to carry nighttime signals and most boats over 16 feet to have visual distress signals for daytime use. Check this Coast Guard site to learn exactly what you must have on your boat. Information is also included about the safe storage and use of flares and other pyrotechnic devices, expiration dates, and more.
The U.S. Coast Guard requires all boats to carry nighttime signals and most boats over 16 feet to have visual distress signals for daytime use. Check this Coast Guard site to learn exactly what you must have on your boat. Information is also included about the safe storage and use of flares and other pyrotechnic devices, expiration dates, and more.
Coast Guard Vessel Documentation
Most smaller recreational sailboats are registered in the owner’s state, but larger vessels may be Coast Guard-documented, sometimes instead of state registration. Here at the National Vessel Documentation Center you can learn the requirements for documentation and the procedures to follow. Start by reading the FAQs.
Most smaller recreational sailboats are registered in the owner’s state, but larger vessels may be Coast Guard-documented, sometimes instead of state registration. Here at the National Vessel Documentation Center you can learn the requirements for documentation and the procedures to follow. Start by reading the FAQs.