Federal Boating Regulations

Federal boating regulations apply to all vessels plying around the waters of the United States. In fact, all commercial and recreational vessels plying on navigable waters around the country are subject to the United States inland laws, the Coast Guard boating regulations and other applicable laws of the state where the boat is registered.


The size of the recreational vessel boat determines the set of government boating regulations applicable to it. Recreational vessels are further divided into four categories to wit (a) under 16 feet, (b) 16 feet to under 26 feet, (c) 26 feet to under 40 feet, and (d) 40 feet to under 65 feet.


The Coast Guard is very concerned when it comes to safety it imposes strict boating rules and regulations. As it is, it requires all boats to have the visual distress signal including one orange distress flag and one electric distress light or a combination of day/night red flares. Aside from carrying distress signal devices, all boats must have one type V Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and one of type of Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. Kids should also be provided with appropriate life saving devices and lifejackets.


Aside from carrying safety equipment, all boats are required by the Coast Guard to have warning devices such as sound producing devices and navigations lights. Smaller crafts may use horns and whistles to as navigation warning equipment. Larger vessels with 39.4 feet and above are required to have sound signaling devices that can produce sounds signals that are audible for around ½ mile. As safety measure, gasoline powered boats that have enclosed fuel tank compartments are required to have proper ventilation. Boats that were built after April 25, 1940 to have natural ventilation and backfire flame arrestor. On the other hand, the Coast Guard requires boats built after July 31, 1980 to have exhaust blowers. To fight off fire on board, all boats are required to have at least one Marine Type USCG B-I or three B-I fire extinguishers on board.


To be able to legally navigate through US waters, boat owners must register their vessels with the local authorities of their state. As protocol, all boats are required to keep a certificate of State Registration or certificate of number on board. Failure on the part of the boat owner to keep proper registration documents on board can result legal actions and penalties.