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Equipment for Pleasure Vessels 

No matter how small the boat or how short the trip, make sure you are properly equipped prior to putting to sea.

Some equipment is mandatory for Pleasure Vessels of 13.7m in length and over. Depending on how far from the coast you venture, you may be required by law to have items such as a liferaft, lifebuoys, lifejackets, flares, a marine radio and a boarding ladder.

For Pleasure Vessels of less than 13.7 metres in length (approximately 45ft), however, there are no statutory requirements for safety equipment other than those required under SOLAS V.

That said, although safety equipment may not be required by law, it is essential that you properly equip your boat prior to putting to sea and that you ensure that the craft is suitable for its intended use, no matter how small the boat or how short the trip. On the very smallest boat, as an absolute minimum you need:  

All equipment should be checked regularly for wear and tear or damage. Flares should be in date and lifejackets regularly serviced. Don't just presume that your engine and navigation lights will work because they did last time you used them.... check them before you leave.

There are many different types of boat under 13.7m length. Different equipment will be needed for day boats and boats with eating and sleeping facilities and for sail and motor boats. In addition to having the equipment on board it is essential that you take the time to learn how each item is used. RYA Training Courses are available both for new and experienced boaters in a wide range of subjects. Contact your local RYA training centre for details.

The following list is not exhaustive, but together with the links provided should provide a basis for equipping your boat. 

 Key:
 E = Essential                                         M = Mandatory
 R = Recommended                              D = at your Discretion
 * = Varies with area of operation     
^ = Varies with type of boat

Pleasure vessels up to 13.7m in length Pleasure vessels 13.7m and over
 Radar reflector M M
 Lifesaving Signals M M
 Navigation lights, day shapes & sound signalling equipment   M M
 Alifejacket (or buoyancy aid^) for everyone on board E M
 Safety harness(es) E^  E 
 Kill cord & spare E^ E^
 Information & communications:    
 - Marine Radio (e.g.VHF) E M
 - MF / HF radio D*  M*
 - SSB radio and / or Satellite telephone D* D*
 - LW Radio (to receive BBC Radio 4 shipping forecast)
 Navigation and collision avoidance:    
 - Chart(s), Almanac and Pilot Book
 - Hand Bearing Compass E
 - Fixed steering compass (lit for boating at night) R
 - Drawing instruments for navigation (e.g. plotter & dividers)
 - Binoculars
 - Echo sounder
 - Log (for monitoring distance travelled)   
 - GPS / Chart Plotter
 - NAVTEX R
 - Automatic Identification System (AIS)
 - Radar
 - Handheld white flares (for collision avoidance) or powerful torch M 
 Emergencies:    
 - 406 MHz EPIRB / PLB E E
 - Distress flares E  M 
 - First aid kit E E
 - Liferaft and grab bag E* M* 3M+
 - SART / AIS SART D*  D* 
 - Fire fighting equipment E M 
 - Equipment to deal with a man overboard (life ring, dan buoy etc.) E M 
 - Emergency tiller (for wheel steered boats) E^ E^ 
 - Equipment to deal with water ingress (Bailer, Bilge Pump, Bungs)
 - Bucket (strong with lanyard) folding buckets are not recommended M 
 - Emergency VHF aerial for fixed VHF E^  E^ 
 Other important equipment:    
 Barometer R* 
 Anchor & cable / warp
 Propeller guards and rope cutters
 Storm sails (for sailing yachts) R*  R*
 Tools and spares (engine, electrics, rig, sails etc)
 Bosun’s chair or equivalent (for sailing yachts) R^  R^ 
 Boarding ladder M 
 Tender
 Spare fuel (in appropriate storage)
 Waterproof torch(es)
 Mooring lines and fenders
 Tow rope
 Knife
 Boat hook
 Sea anchor & / drogue D*  D* 
 Pump & puncture repair kit (for inflatable boats)
 Alternative means of propulsion (oars, outboard engine etc.)
 Ship’s Log Book
 Accurate clock or watch

N.B. Vessels which are not being used within thekmust comply with the relevant codes of practice.

 

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See Also

Buoyancy Aids and Lifejackets

What form of personal floatation is needed and when

Emergency Distress Alerting

Elsewhere on the web

Mandatory equipment

MCA information sheet on the Regulations Applicable to Pleasure Vessels

MGN 393

MCA advice on the use of LEDs as navigation lights