Boating equipment that is mandatory

So you have purchased you first boat and you are ready to hit the lake.

The waterways are supervised by police and they will stop you to do a boat check. Best to be prepared!

Required Documents: Have your boat registration papers and photo ID with you at all times.

Life Jackets (Personal Floatation Devices): A life jacket is a jacket or belt that helps a person to float in the water and prevents a person from drowning.

Every person on a boat must wear a life jacket. They have to fit right and be the correct size. Children have got to wear a life jacket at all times. Never put an adult life jacket on a child.

If the boat is 16 feet and longer, then it requires having a minimum of one life-ring or floating cushion. If there is an emergency and someone is at risk of drowning, then the life ring is used.

Fire Extinguisher: All boats that have an engine and/or fuel tank in an enclosed compartment must have a fire extinguisher. Be sure to check your fire extinguisher often to make sure it is not not expired.

Emergency Signals and Noise Making Devices: All boats require functioning distress signals whether it is red flares, distress flags, or orange smoke. A good Horn or whistle is also needed.

Boat Lights: It is very important that the lights on your boat be put on properly according to size and class of your boat. These lights are a signal to other boat operators as to whether your boat is anchored, sailing or motorized.

To avoid really nasty fines from the authorities, make sure that you always do a check of all the required equipment. Before taking off in your boat, make sure that everything is doing what it is suppose to do.