You MUST have:
--one Type IV USCG–approved PFD on board and readily accessible. (throwable cushion or ring)This means you cant have an anchor, jig box and crap all on top of it, stowed at the bottom of your storage.
--a coast guard approved pfd (life jacket) for each crew member (indiana code --- IC 14-15-2-6(b)
--a type B fire extinguisher on board THAT WORKS or is charged. This only applies to concurrent waters jurisdiction (THAT means lake michigan for those who dont know)
((When regulations refer to “Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction,” it means Lake Michigan (Indiana portion), the Great Miami River, the Ohio River, and the portion of the Wabash River that forms a border between Indiana and Illinois.))
--All vessels are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher(s) on board if one or more of the following conditions exist:
Closed compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored
Closed storage compartments in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored
Closed living spaces
Permanently installed fuel tanks
You are not required to carry a fire extinguisher on a motorboat with an outboard
Navigation lights--- IC 14-15-2-10 (look it up, its in the regs)
Sound-Producing Devices 312 IAC 5-13-4 This means a horn, whistle or bell, and I,ve seen the ticket issued
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) 33 CFR 175.110-140 All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise. Most vessels must carry day signals also; exceptions to the requirement for day signals are:
Recreational vessels that are less than 16 feet in length
Non-motorized open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length
Manually propelled vessels
If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be carried in the vessel.
The following combinations of signals are examples of VDSs that could be carried on board to satisfy U.S. Coast Guard requirements:
Three handheld red flares (day and night)
Three orange smoke signals (day only) and one electric light (night only)
The most important thing for people to understand is the rules of the road. (in a sense) Its not just firing up the motor and heading out to fish. Theres alot of fishermen and boaters who have NO IDEA what a STAND ON boat is. ( Its not a boat you stand on). Unfortunately, some boaters dont even know the basics of navigation lights. Being prepared is knowing the laws and rules of the road. Being prepared is NOT having bait...Boater education is imperative. Even for seasoned anglers and boaters, its always good to refresh the memory and REREAD the rules/laws. Theres always new amendments, sometimes to boating/fishing.
ALL OF THE RULES AND LAWS are accessible, do yourself a big favor and be aware.
----->
http://www.boat-ed.com/in/handbook/boater_education.htm
