Are You Up-to-Date, Boater?

It’s understandable if the last few years made you feel “out of the loop” with boating updates, laws, and regulations. When you’re trying to keep safe on land, it’s harder to keep up with changes on the water, so we’re going to bring you up to speed.

Engine Cutoff Devices Certain vessels less than 26 feet require operators to use either a helm or outboard lanyard or wireless engine cutoff switch when traveling on plane or above displacement speed.

Fire Extinguishers Regulations effective 2022 may apply https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/fire-extinguisher-faq.php

Life Jackets Life jackets are now classified by level of buoyancy, not type. You don’t have to replace older models, but ensure they are still pliable and fit properly. Follow manufacturer’s directions to check inflatable life jacket cylinders and dissolvable “pills.”

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) Register with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) every two years. Update NOAA with any changes to registration info (such as phone number, address, new boat), or if you sell your PLB https://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/register-your-beacon/

Changes to federal regulations and state boating laws Check these sites:

State: https://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/state-boating-laws.php

US: https://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/?m=r

Vessel and product recalls Check these sites:

https://www.uscgboating.org/content/manufacturers-identification.php

https://uscgboating.org/content/recalls.php