Personal Flotation Devices
All boats must carry one personal flotation device or PFD per passenger in serviceable condition. Anyone under 13 must wear a PFD when on the deck, in an open boat or water-skiing. Many of the more popular recreational lakes in Alaska hang free PFDs on open-air kiosks for boaters to use and return.
Other Required Items
Boats 16 feet or longer must carry a seat cushion or throw ring to help a man overboard; for boats less than 16 feet, a throwable device is recommended but not mandatory. Boats must carry a whistle, horn or similar device to signal in reduced visibility as well as visual distress signals approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and one or more fire extinguishers.
Boaters need to check that they have the following working devices: navigation lights, backfire flame arresters on each carburetor of inboard gasoline engines, and efficient natural or mechanical ventilation of permanent installed engines and fuel tanks.
Registration
Vessels powered by gasoline, diesel, steam or electric motors must register with the Department of Motor Vehicles and carry a certificate of registration aboard. Display registration numbers and validation decals on the hull of the boat.
Recommended Items
The Alaska Office of Boating Safety also recommends that boaters carry a compass, charts and a GPS device, as well as a cell phone or marine VHF radio in a waterproof bag. Boaters should also consider keeping onboard a first-aid kit, an overnight kit including sleeping bag, tarp and extra food and water, and personal distress signals. A bailing device, anchoring equipment, spare parts, tools, oars and paddles, and a reboarding device will make a vessel shipshape and safe.
