Safety Equipment -
The safety equipment required for vessels that carry passengers is designed to protect everyone on board in case of emergencies, such as an accident, fire, or rough weather. The U.S. Coast Guard has specific regulations about the types of safety equipment that must be present on vessels to ensure passengers’ well-being. These items are checked at every annual USCG safety inspection. Some of the key safety items and features that such vessels must have:
Life Jackets and PFDs
Every passenger must have a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) readily available. They are not required to be worn at all times on American Beauty II because it meets the standard for guardrail height.
The USCG checks the quantity and condition during the annual safety inspection.
For more details, see my blog on PFDs.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers must be on board. American Beauty II has on board including a USCG approved automatic fire extinguisher with an agent specifically designed to put out engine room fires.
All fire extinguishers are checked annually by experts to ensure they are in working order and properly charged.
Emergency Signaling Devices
Flares: Flares or other emergency signaling devices are required to alert nearby vessels or rescue teams in case of distress.
Whistles or Horns: Vessels must have sound-producing devices (like a horn or whistle) to signal their presence in certain situations or alert others of danger.
Bilge Pump and Bilge Alarm
Bilge pumps are essential for removing water from the bottom of the boat in case of leaks or flooding. This helps prevent the vessel from sinking.
Bilge alarms can alert the crew if water is accumulating in the bilge (the lower part of the boat), indicating potential flooding or a problem with the vessel’s integrity.
Navigational and Signal Lights
Navigational Lights: Vessels must have proper navigational lights, especially when operating at night or in poor visibility conditions. These lights help other boats see the vessel and prevent collisions
Signal Lights: These can be used during night-time emergencies to draw attention
First Aid Kits
A basic first aid kit should be on board, with supplies for common injuries like cuts, burns, or sprains.
Communication Devices
Vessels must be equipped with communication devices such as a radio (VHF or another maritime communication system) to stay in touch with other vessels or the coast guard.
This is critical for coordinating rescues or seeking assistance if something goes wrong.