1.Except for a contrivance, propelled by a sail, whose occupant must stand erect, every vessel must carry at least one life jacket of an appropriate size and type for the person for whom it is intended that has been approved by the United States Coast Guard and meets any requirements prescribed by the regulations of the Commission for each person on board and any person in a vessel being towed, so placed as to be readily accessible for use in an emergency. Every vessel carrying passengers for hire must carry so placed as to be readily accessible for use in an emergency at least one life jacket of the sort prescribed by this subsection and the regulations of the Commission for each person on board. A life jacket required by this subsection is readily accessible for use in an emergency if:
Free access — add to your briefcase to read the full text and ask questions with AI
1. Except for a contrivance, propelled by a sail, whose occupant must stand erect, every vessel must carry at least one life jacket of an appropriate size and type for the person for whom it is intended that has been approved by the United States Coast Guard and meets any requirements prescribed by the regulations of the Commission for each person on board and any person in a vessel being towed, so placed as to be readily accessible for use in an emergency. Every vessel carrying passengers for hire must carry so placed as to be readily accessible for use in an emergency at least one life jacket of the sort prescribed by this subsection and the regulations of the Commission for each person on board. A life jacket required by this subsection is readily accessible for use in an emergency if:
(a) It is being worn; or
(b) It is stowed where it is quickly reachable and is:
(1) Ready to wear;
(2) Out of its original packaging; and
(3) Not under lock and key.
2. In addition to the requirements set forth in subsection 1, unless exempted by the United States Coast Guard or the regulations of the Commission:
(a) Every vessel which is 16 feet or more in length but less than 26 feet in length, regardless of its method of propulsion, must carry, so placed as to be readily accessible for use in an emergency, a throwable personal flotation device approved by the United States Coast Guard, such as a ring life buoy or buoyant cushion. A throwable personal flotation device required by this paragraph is readily accessible for use in an emergency if it is stowed in close proximity to the operator of the vessel and in a position to be thrown to a person overboard by either the operator or a passenger.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, every vessel which is 26 feet or more in length, regardless of its method of propulsion, must carry, so placed as to be readily accessible for use in an emergency, a throwable personal flotation device approved by the United States Coast Guard, such as a ring life buoy or buoyant cushion. If the vessel is 40 feet or more in length, such a throwable personal flotation device must be carried on both the fore and the aft of the vessel. A throwable personal flotation device required by this paragraph is readily accessible for use in an emergency if it is prominently displayed on a bulkhead, railing or gunwale, and in a position to be thrown to a person overboard by either the operator or a passenger.
3. Every power-driven vessel, except a mechanically propelled personal hydrofoil or a motorized surfboard, must be provided with such number, size and type of fire extinguishers, capable of promptly and effectually extinguishing burning gasoline, as may be prescribed by the regulations of the Commission. The fire extinguishers must be of a marine type which has been approved by the United States Coast Guard and kept in condition for immediate and effective use and so placed as to be readily accessible.
4. Every power-driven vessel must have the carburetor of every engine therein, except outboard motors, using gasoline as fuel, equipped with such efficient flame arrestor, backfire trap or other similar device as may be prescribed by the regulations of the Commission.
5. Every vessel, except open boats, using as fuel any liquid of a volatile nature, must be provided with such means as may be prescribed by the regulations of the Commission for properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of the engine and compartments for tanks of fuel to remove any explosive or flammable gases.
6. The Commission may adopt regulations modifying the requirements for equipment contained in this section to the extent necessary to keep these requirements in conformity with the provisions of the Federal Navigation Laws or with the rules for navigation adopted by the United States Coast Guard.