What equipment is required on an 18-foot boat?

An 18-foot boat is required to carry several safety equipment items as mandated by U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Among these, having U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals is essential, particularly when operating in coastal waters or on navigable waterways. These signals are crucial for alerting others in case of an emergency, and they could include flares, signal mirrors, or smoke signals.

While fire extinguishers, flotation devices, and navigation lights are important for various safety reasons, visual distress signals are specifically mandated for vessels of this size to ensure they can effectively communicate a need for assistance. This requirement enhances safety on the water by providing a means for boaters to signal for help if an emergency situation arises. Hence, carrying visual distress signals is critical for the safety of the vessel and its occupants.