Small Boat Safety: REQUIRED Equipment vs What You SHOULD Carry | BoatUS

Learn the essential small boat safety gear you need on board. See how to pack critical safety equipment into even the smallest vessels. Every boater needs to distinguish between required boat equipment and the items that are just smart to carry. This guide breaks down the gear necessary for a skiff, helping you manage limited storage space while staying prepared for emergencies on the water. Whether you are crabbing or cruising, prioritizing safety keeps you compliant and protected. We cover the specific small boat safety gear that fits in a compact cooler box, ensuring you have the right tools without cluttering your deck. By focusing on these boating safety tips, you can organize your vessel efficiently and ensure you are ready for any situation. Subscribe for boating safety tips to keep your time on the water secure, and comment below with the one piece of safety gear you never leave the dock without. 📝 Turn a cooler into a storage compartment: https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2024/june/turn-a-cooler-into-a-compartment CHAPTERS 0:00 Small boat safety gear: Required safety gear vs items that are good to have aboard 0:20 Coast Guard-approved throw cushion and life jackets 0:58 Running lights, navigation lights, and anchor lights 1:14 Pyrotechnic flares or electronic flares 1:23 Paddle 1:36 Fire extinguisher 1:59 Whistle or sound-producing device 2:07 Well-stocked, waterproof first-aid kit 2:31 Sunscreen, extra water 2:42 Extra sunglasses, extra hat, crabbing gloves, crabbing measure 2:59 Converting a cooler into a gear box 3:30 Handheld VHF 4:04 Bailer 4:16 Engine cutoff switch (ECOS) 4:28 Anchor 4:38 PLB or EPIRB if you go into bigger water 4:54 Like, subscribe, comment -- what items do you have aboard your small boat that Lenny didn't discuss? 5:04 BONUS small boat safety tip 🎥Video production and editing: https://www.410films.com 🚩Enjoy this video? Become a BoatUS Member today to get 25+ valuable benefits including a subscription to award-winning BoatUS Magazine! https://boat.us/e/sy-join 🚩Visit the BoatUS Magazine website: https://www.boatus.com/Expert-Advice. BoatUS is the nation’s largest association of recreational boaters with more than half a million Members. We provide a diverse offering of services including marine insurance, on-the-water towing provided by TowBoatUS, the nation’s largest fleet, plus boat financing, graphics and lettering, representation for boaters on Capitol Hill, the award-winning BoatUS Magazine and much more. For more than 50 years, BoatUS has made boating safer, more affordable and more accessible. 🚩Download the FREE BoatUS App today to access NOAA marine weather, tides, exclusive Member discounts, and your BoatUS account. Assistance on the water has never been easier with TowBoatUS CONNECT in the BoatUS App — the fastest way to get a tow! https://boat.us/sy-app 🚩Connect with us: https://Facebook.com/BoatUS https://Twitter.com/BoatUS https://Instagram.com/BoatUS https://Tiktok.com/@boatusofficial https://Pinterest.com/BoatUS https://linkedin.com/company/boatus #boatus #boatingsafety #boatequipment #safety