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Federal Requirements

Owners and operators of recreational boats must make sure that their vessel carries the required safety equipment (carriage requirement) and is in compliance with federal and state regulations.  This 84-page booklet contains detailed information on the minimum federal safety equipment requirements.

• A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (PDF) 

Navigation Rules

The U.S. Aids to Navigation Rules are much like the rules of the road on the highway.  They establish a consistent way to navigate safely and avoid collisions when two boats are crossing paths, are on course to meet head-on, or when one boat wishes to overtake another.  These rules will also help you recognize, understand, and navigate by the colors, shapes, numbers, and lights you will encounter on the water, as well as give you the basic tools you need to read a nautical chart.

• Download a copy of the Aids to Navigation Rules (PDF)

• Download a copy of the International & U.S. Inland Navigation Rules (PDF)