Essential Boat Safety Equipment

The exact legal list depends on location, boat and voyage, but a responsible starting point includes equipment for flotation, communication, signalling, fire, flooding, navigation and first aid.

Practical starter checklist

• Suitable, correctly fitted life jackets for everyone aboard
• A reliable means of communication
• Distress-signalling equipment appropriate to the trip
• A suitable fire extinguisher where fuel or cooking creates a risk
• A bilge pump, bucket or other dewatering method
• An anchor and adequate rode
• Navigation lights and a dependable torch
• A first-aid kit and basic tools

Equipment is only useful when ready

Keep safety equipment accessible, inspect it regularly and make sure everyone aboard knows where it is. Carrying unfamiliar or expired equipment creates false confidence.