Boating safely: equipment & operation

This page provides helpful links to prepare your boat to get out on the water including packing the right safety equipment, operating safely while on the water and sharing the water with other aquatic activities and wildlife. Find out general tips for preparing for a day on the water, what to do to boat safely while aboard and on the water and what to do if your trip goes wrong here.

Can you find your boating safety gear in 30 seconds? Grab your flares, make a radio call, put on a lifejacket in 30 seconds. See how its done. Safety gear is only helpful if accessible in an emergency.

What safety equipment?

Answer some quick questions to see which boating safety equipment you need and keep everyone safe on the water.

It depends on:

  • Type of vessel
  • Size of vessel
  • Which waters you are operating in
  • When you are operating