Safety Equipment Checklist
These two lists show the required and optional safety equipment that should be onboard a boat. Because the equipment requirements vary depending on the size of the boat, you may need additional types, sizes, and quantities of specific pieces of safety equipment. Click here for a list of equipment based on boat length.
Utah's Required Boating Safety Equipment
| Checklist Item | Under 16 ft. | 16 to less than 26 feet | 26 feet and longer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display of Bow Numbers | Yes (1) | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| Display of Registration Decals | Yes (1) | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| Registration Card Onboard | Yes (1) | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| Fire Extinguisher | Yes (2) | Yes (2) | Yes (2) |
| Spare Propulsion | Yes | Yes for vessels under 21' recommended for others | Recommended |
| Bailing Device | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sound Device | Strongly Recommended | Yes | Yes (3) |
| One PFD for Each Person Onboard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Type IV PFD | Strongly Recommended | Yes | Yes |
| Proper Navigation Lights | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Meets Muffler/Noise Requirements | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adequate Ventilation | Yes (4) | Yes (4) | Yes (4) |
| Approved Flame Arrestor | Yes (5) | Yes (5) | Yes (5) |
| Capacity Plate Displayed | Yes (6) | Yes (6) for vessels under 20' manufacturer's option for others | Manufacturer's Option |
| Hull Identification Number | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Proof of Liability Insurance | Yes, for motorboats with 50 hp or greater engines | Yes, for motorboats with 50 hp or greater engines | Yes, for motorboats with 50 hp or greater engines |
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(1) Non-Motorized vessels and sailboards are exempt from this requirement. (2) Fire extinquishers are not required for outboard motorboats of open construction; however they are recommended for all motorboats (3) Vessels 40 feet of longer bust carry a bell in addition to a horn or whistle (4) Required for motorboats not of open construction and carrying flammable or toxic fluids in an enclosed compartment. (5) Required for inboard gasoline engines equipped with a carburetor. (6) Vessels exempt from this requirement include: sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable vessels. |
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Required Equipment
- Display of bow numbers
- Display of registration decals
- Certificate of registration
- Fire extinguisher(s)
- Spare propulsion (paddle oar, or motor)
- Bailing device
- Sound producing device (horn or whistle)
- One PFD for each person onboard
- Type IV PFD
- Proper navigation lights
- Meets muffler and/or noise requirements
- Adequate ventilation
- Approved flame arrestor
- Capacity plate displayed
- Hull identification number
- Proof of Liability Insurance
Optional Equipment
- Flashlight
- First Aid Kit
- Boarding Ladder
- Tool Kit
- Extra Rope (Line)
- Anchor with line
- Visual Distress Signals
- Spare Spark Plugs
- Spare Bilge Plug(s)
- Spare Propeller(s)
- Copy of the Navigation Rules
- Additional PFDs
- Bailing Bucket
- VHF Marine Band Radio