Essential Boat Safety Equipment

Boating safely means being prepared, and that takes having a boat safety kit on your Lowe boat at all times. Your safety kit will contain must-haves—gear required by the U.S. Coast Guard—and nice-to-haves—items that aren’t legally required but can help in an emergency.

Your kit should stay on board for the season, but check it periodically to make sure your supplies aren’t depleted or expired.

USCG safety requirements

The U.S. Coast Guard’s lists of equipment that must be aboard differs by the class (or length) of the vessel. The basics include life jackets, visual and audio distress signaling devices, fire extinguishers, navigation light essentials and more. To make sure you comply, check the USCG minimum equipment requirements and then head to a marine store to stock up.

Life jackets

The USCG states that you must carry personal flotation devices (PFDs) for everyone aboard, including specially sized life jackets for children who must wear them if they’re under the age of 12. You may want to upgrade your personal PFDs to inflatable harnesses, which are more comfortable and less voluminous.

Anchor and paddle

You’ll need an anchor and a length of line to stay put in case the engine dies so you don’t go adrift. A paddle comes in handy when you need to move a short distance without propulsion like to a dock or trailer. It’s also helpful should you find yourself in shallow water where you can’t use your outboard.

Rope, tape and cable ties

Things break, so carry ways to jury-rig a fix until you can complete a proper repair. Duct tape, electrical tape, lengths of line in a couple of sizes and plastic cable ties are great ways to secure a bracket, loose wires, a seat or a bait bucket.

Basic tool kit

Add some basic tools like screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, a flashlight or headlamp, and a utility knife. A multitool may get you through most minor repairs.

First aid kit

Minor medical emergencies like a cut on your thumb or sea sickness happen often. It’s best to be prepared with a small medical kit that includes:

• Bandages
• Tweezers
• Antiseptic ointment
• Burn cream
• Medical tape
• Oral pain killers
• Antihistamines
• Antacids
• Sea sickness medicine
• Chemical cold pack
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen

You can put together your own kit or buy a professionally assembled kit at a drug or marine store. You may want to add your personal prescription medications, but be sure to update the kit often, so the meds don’t expire.

Helpful personal items

Pack a duffel with extra clothing, a towel, hat, extra prescription glasses, a dry bag for your phone, and a few trash bags to help carry everything from wet clothes to the day’s catch.

Essential boat safety equipment doesn’t have to be complicated or bulky. Think through what you need and where to store it and then go out and have fun on your Lowe boat.