Thread: New Boating Law

I also read that it was for boats over 16 feet. I am at 15, so I missed it by a foot.

Originally Posted by bigfishn

Has anyone got a god understanding about the new law for federally controlled waters and the Visual distress signals?
Been told that many have been caught without the flags or flares and reulted in $180 tickets. From what I have read it's for all boats that are larger than 16 feet.
What do you guys and gals know?

When did this law change? I thought all that boats 16 ft. or over had to have was a fire extinguisher, sound alarm, lights (at night), throwable flotation device and life jackets.

Made me look, according to uscg.mil this reg is for coastal waters or the Great Lakes only

I had heard the same thing about the tickets. Here is a quote from the AGFC web site. My boat is 17.5, so I better go pick up a set.


Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) enable vessel operators to signal for help in the event of an emergency. VDSs are classified as day signals (visible in bright sunlight), night signals (visible at night) or both day and night signals.

VDSs are not required on Arkansas state waters, but it is strongly recommended that you carry VDSs on board.
All vessels used on federally controlled waters must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals. These vessels are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.
Most vessels on federally controlled waters must carry day signals also; exceptions to the requirement for day signals are:
Recreational vessels that are less than 16 feet in length
Non-motorized, open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length
Manually propelled vessels
VDSs are either pyrotechnic (smoke and flames) or non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible). If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be carried in the vessel.

I have an 18'6" boat and was checked two weeks ago on DeGray by rangers. All they asked for were a life jacket with lanyard connected, a throw cushion, a horn or whistle and a fire extinguisher. Nothing was said about visual warning signals.

Does this mean that a set of those small flares in addition to a whistle would be ok for all AR lakes and the Miss. River?