Call Now • Open 24/7 903-597-6000

Does Your Boat Have the Right Safety Equipment?

NOTE: This article was originally published in 2011. We are in the process of revising this article to reflect the current requirements. Please do not rely on this information, as it may be outdated or incorrect.

Before you leave the shore, we thought you might want to know some of the safety requirements for your boat.

For sailboats, canoes, rubber rafts, or other boats without motors, Texas requires personal flotation devices for each person on board and a bright light for use between sunset and sunrise.

For motorized boats in Texas, the safety equipment you carry on board should include:

  • Life jackets for each person on board (also known as personal flotation devices or “PFD’s”)
  • Light, lantern, or flashlight
  • Whistle, bell, or horn
  • Rear view mirrors
  • Fire extinguisher (not required on outboard motorboats less than 26 feet long)

If you are in coastal waters, federal safety requirements include having these additional items on board:

  • Visual distress signals
  • Anchor or anchor line
  • Alternative means of propulsion (such as a paddle or oar)
  • Dewatering device (such as a bucket, can, scoop, etc.)

Besides the equipment required by law, there are other items which a safe boater should keep on board — for example, extra batteries for the flashlight, matches, a map of where you are, flares, suntan lotion, a first aid kit, and extra sunglasses. Items that need to be protected should be put in a watertight pouch or a container that floats.

The boat safety equipment which the law requires depends on the type of boat you are operating. Check with the Coast Guard or the state where you are boating to make sure you have satisfied any special requirements which may apply to your particular type of boat.

Free Case Review

You have nothing to lose by letting our attorneys advise you of your options. For a no-cost, confidential attorney review of your case, contact us using the form below or by calling us at (903) 597-6000.

Contact Us
Name
Name
First
Last

Our Personal Injury Lawyers Are Featured in the Top 100 Personal Injury Trial Lawyers Our Personal Injury Attorneys Have Been Texas Super Lawyers for Decades Our Lawyers Have Been Recipients of the Mult-Million Dollar Advocates Award for Personal Injury Lawyers

From one former client:
"I am so happy to have chosen the best law firm around. The staff is amazing in handling your questions promptly. I hope I don't ever need them again, but if I do, there is no question I will be back. Thank y'all so much for helping me." - Heather N.