Numbers must be painted or permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel. The validation stickers must be affixed within six inches of the registration number. No other letters or numbers may be displayed nearby.

All undocumented vessels equipped with propulsion machinery, must be registered in the State of principle use. A certificate of number will be issued upon registering the vessel. The owner/operator of a vessel must carry a valid certificate of number whenever the vessel is in use. When moved to a new State of principle use, the certificate is valid for 60 days. California requires sailboats over 8' be registered.

Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and other periods of reduced visibility.

Vessels 12m or more in length are required to carry on board a power whistle or power horn and a bell. The navigation rules require sound signals to be made under certain circumstances. Meeting, crossing, and overtaking situations are examples of when sound signals are required. Recreational vessels are also required to sound fog signals during periods of reduced visibility. Therefore, you must have some means of making an efficient sound signal, although regulations do not specifically require vessels less than 12m to carry a whistle, horn, or bell.

PFDs must be Coast Guard Approved, in good, serviceable condition and of appropriate size for the intended user. Wearable PFDs must be readily accessible. Throwable devices must be immediately available for use. A PFD should be available at all times when the vessel is underway. A wearable PFD may save your life, but only if you wear it! 

Boats less than 16ft in length must be equipped with one Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person aboard. 

Boats 16ft and longer must be equipped with one Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person aboard PLUS one Type IV.

Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers are hand-portable, either B-I or B-II and be mounted on a specific marine type mounting bracket. 

Fire extinguishers are required if any one or more of the following conditions exist:

-Inboard engines.

-Closed compartments and compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored.

-Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation materials.

-Closed living spaces.

-Closed storage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stored.

-Permanently installed fuel tanks.

Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals must be Coast Guard Approved, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible. The service life must not have expired. A minimum of three are required for day use and three for night use. Devices include:

-Pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held or aerial.

-Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating.

-Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares. 

Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals must be in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and certified by the manufacturer as complying with USCG requirements. They include:

-Orange distress flag.

-Electric distress light.

All vessels built after April 25, 1940 which use gasoline for electrical generation, mechanical power, or propulsion are required to be equipped with a ventilation system. A natural ventilation system consists of at least two ventilator ducts, fitted with cowls or their equivalent. A powered ventilation system consists of one or more exhaust blowers. Vessels constructed after August 1st, 1980 must have a power blower.

Gasoline engines installed in a vessel after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors, must be equipped with an acceptable means of backfire flame control. The device must be suitably attached to the air intake with a flame tight connection and is required to be Coast Guard approved or comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards and marked accordingly.

Ensure portable fuel tanks are constructed of sturdy material and in good condition, free of excessive corrosion, and do not leak. The vents on portable tanks must be operable and the tanks should have a vapor-tight, leak-proof cap. Do not allow excessive movement of portable tanks. The Auxiliary recognizes seven gallons or less as portable. Permanent fuel tanks and lines should be free of corrosion and must not leak. Tanks must be vented to the outside of the hull. The fill pipe and plate must fit tightly and be located outside of closed compartments so spilled fuel will drain overboard.

Wiring must be in good condition and properly installed. No exposed areas or deteriorated insulation is permitted. The electrical system must be protected by fuses or manual resetting circuit breakers. Switches and fuse panels must be protected from rain or spray. Batteries must be secured to prevent movement and the terminals covered to prevent accidental arcing.