What additional equipment must be on board if your vessel is 16 feet or longer?

If your vessel is 16 feet or longer, it is required to carry a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)-approved throwable device. This requirement is in place to enhance safety for all individuals aboard the vessel. A throwable flotation device, such as a type IV PFD, is critical because it can be quickly thrown to a person who has fallen overboard, providing them with assistance until they can be rescued or board the vessel again.

While other pieces of equipment, like fire extinguishers or first-aid kits, can be important for safety and emergency preparedness, the law specifically mandates the presence of a throwable device in vessels of this size due to its crucial role in emergency situations on the water. This distinction emphasizes the focus on immediate rescue procedures in case of accidents or falls in the water, making the throwable device a vital piece of safety equipment for larger vessels.