According to florida law what must be aboard a vessel

General
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according to florida law what must be aboard a vessel

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According to Florida law, what must be aboard a vessel?

Answer:
In Florida, boating safety and regulation are enforced with strict requirements to ensure the safety of all passengers aboard a vessel. Here are some essential items that must be aboard a vessel according to Florida law:

1. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):

  • Each person on board must have an appropriate and U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children under six are required to wear a PFD while the vessel is underway on any water less than 26 feet in length.
  • Additionally, boats 16 feet or longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one throwable device like a cushion or a ring.

2. Fire Extinguisher:

  • Most vessels with an engine must have a fire extinguisher on board. Any motor boat with enclosed fuel or engine compartments requires at least one B-1 type fire extinguisher.

3. Visual Distress Signals:

  • Vessels operating in coastal waters must have visual distress signals suitable for both day and night use. This requirement is to help ensure that boaters can signal for help during an emergency.

4. Sound Producing Devices:

  • A device such as a horn, whistle, or bell is required for boats less than 39.4 feet. Vessels 39.4 feet and over must carry a whistle and a bell.

5. Navigation Lights:

  • Proper navigation lights must be exhibited between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility. Power-driven vessels must have red and green sidelights and a white stern light. Sailing vessels require different configurations based on size and position.

6. Backfire Flame Control:

  • Gasoline engines installed in a vessel after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors, must have a backfire flame control device.

7. Ventilation Systems:

  • The ventilation requirements apply to boats with enclosed gasoline engine compartments to prevent the accumulation of explosive vapors. These boats must have at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent.

8. Marine Sanitation Device:

  • If the vessel has installed toilet facilities, they must be equipped with a Coast Guard-approved marine sanitation device.

9. Muffling System:

  • All vessel engines must have a functioning muffler system that prevents excessive noise.

10. Registration and Documentation:

  • The vessel must be properly registered with the state of Florida. The certificate of registration and validation must be visibly displayed.

Final Answer:

To summarize, according to Florida law, the following items must be aboard a vessel:

  • U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices for each person.
  • A fire extinguisher.
  • Visual distress signals.
  • A sound-producing device.
  • Navigation lights.
  • Backfire flame control.
  • Proper ventilation systems.
  • Marine sanitation device if there are toilet facilities.
  • A muffling system for the engine.
  • Proper registration documentation.

Ensuring that your vessel complies with these requirements will help you avoid penalties and, importantly, ensure a safe boating experience.