Now is a good time to stock up on all your boating equipment needs. If you prepare now, then you will have less headaches and more time to enjoy your boat during the regular boating season. Also, knowledge of legal requirements and safety precautions can help prevent accidents.

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Boating equipment requirements vary with the size of the boat and its source of power such as a sailboat or powerboat. Also, there are differing requirements for inboard and/or outboard motors. Furthermore, the type of construction will also cause equipment requirements to vary.

Motorboats when used in racing and similar activities are generally exempt from whistle, bell, muffler and fire extinguisher requirements. Interestingly, sailboats with motors, whether inboard or outboard, are considered motorboats. Personal watercraft also known as PWCs are also considered motorboats.

Boats not properly equipped face fines depending upon laws in different municipalities. Some very obvious things that are required on most boats throughout the United States are: registration number on the boat hull with proper spacing, Registration Certificate on board, three unexpired day and night flares, wearable life preservers and a sound device like a whistle or bell.

The larger a boat is the more requirements there are and this can become confusing. For instance, fire extinguishers are required on all vessels with a motor regardless of size. However, different types and quantity of fire extinguishers are required for different size boats and for different uses. There are also different amounts and types of wearable and throwable life preservers required for different vessels and age groups. Another confusing feature is the type of navigation lights required. The foremost thing to remember is that they must be in working order and are only required if a boat is operated at night or when anchored.

It can be time-consuming and exhausting trying to figure out all the other requirements of different types of vessels. This is why it is advisable that boaters take safe boating courses and reach out to qualified marine personnel even when it is not required by law. There are service organizations approved by the United States Coast Guard that perform Courtesy Marine Examinations of boats and equipment free of charge. This inspection covers federal and state requirements. If a boat meets all requirements, then the owner will receive a decal to put in a visible spot to law enforcement agencies noting that the boat passed inspection. If a boat fails to meet all requirements, no report is made to any law enforcement agency.

There are several convenient Courtesy Marine Examination programs for boaters in the Oyster Bay Harbor area. The Oyster Bay Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary has many certified vessel examiners who will help you figure out what equipment you need and will even share knowledge about the equipment and local boating laws. On their website you will find more information about what the exam entails, a checklist of required equipment and other tidbits. Their website address is www.cgauxoysterbay.org. You can also reach them at (516) 624-USCG. The Oyster Bay Power Squadron also runs a similar program. Their website is www.usps.org/localusps/oysterbay and phone number is 937-1260.

For more information about boating and water-related activities throughout the Oyster Bay area you can also email the author at Jaime.VanDyke@gmail.com.