Country-specific regulations for distress equipment


For recreational boats registered in Germany

According to the German Sea Sports Boat Ordinance (SeeSpootbV), a pleasure boat is a watercraft with or without a motor drive that

  • was built for sports and recreational purposes and

  • is used exclusively for sporting or recreational purposes or for training in the operation of pleasure craft and

  • which is approved for no more than twelve persons plus driver and crew.

This also includes pleasure boats that are rented without a boat operator (bareboat).

However, businesses that rent out their pleasure boat or personal watercraft at sea for a fee without a skipper or crew ("bareboat") must apply for a boat certificate from the relevant waterways and shipping authority. Furthermore, pleasure boat owners must register their pleasure boats at sea with a hull length of 15 meters or more in a German maritime vessel register. A pleasure boat that is used at sea for a fee with the provision of a skipper or crew is considered to be used commercially. Commercially used pleasure boats require a safety certificate and a crew certificate.

The safety requirements for commercially used pleasure craft with a hull length of 8 m to 24 m are based on the

Guidelines on safety regulations for recreational craft used commercially for training purposes pursuant to Section 52a of the German Sea Sports Boating Ordinance (SchSV aF) (cf. Section 14, Sentence 2 of the German Sea Sports Boating Ordinance). Further information is available from the Ship Safety Department of the German Transport Association (BG Verkehr).

When participating in offshore regattas, the regatta regulations usually stipulate their own rules regarding the safety equipment required by participating boats. This almost always refers to the World Sailing Association's Offshore Special Regulations, which list safety equipment in detail in Articles 4 and 5.

There are no specific regulations regarding the safety equipment of recreational craft. Only the requirements of the International Collision Prevention Regulations regarding navigation lights and sound systems must be observed. There is also no obligation to carry a life raft on board. However, the rules of good seamanship and the German Association for Maritime Lifesaving Equipment (FSR) make clear equipment recommendations.

If you are sailing under the German flag, the equipment regulations applicable in Germany apply, regardless of the area of ​​travel. If you are sailing abroad under the flag of that country, you must observe the national regulations.

For pleasure boats registered in the Netherlands

In principle, the equipment regulations valid in Germany apply to recreational boats under the German flag.

To navigate Dutch waters, you are required to comply with the current traffic regulations for Dutch waters. These regulations are summarized in the current Wateralmanak Part 1 published by the ANWB. These regulations do not apply to small, open boats.

The rules and regulations for Dutch waters can be found on www.safeboating.eu can be downloaded.

Required equipment

  • a signal horn, approved navigation lights, distress signals (red flag, red light)
  • Vessels at anchor must display a black ball during the day and a white all-round light at night
  • On the sea lanes, the seaports (e.g. Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Delfzijl) and the waters in South Holland and Zeeland, a radar reflector is mandatory in low visibility conditions, when underway or at anchor
  • On the Westerschelde and in the approach areas of the Dutch seaports on the North Sea, the radar reflector is mandatory even in good visibility
  • A sailing vessel under sail and simultaneously operating under engine power must display a black cone – point downwards
  • On the Westerschelde, recreational vessels, with the exception of small open boats, must carry a current nautical chart of the Westerschelde area on board

What additional equipment do fast motorboats need to carry?

  • Life jackets for every passenger in case of unconsciousness. These jackets must be easily and quickly accessible. The skipper must wear the life jacket when at the helm.
  • The boat must be equipped with a technical device that makes unmanned operation impossible (quick stop). This does not apply if the steering is in the cabin.
  • a regularly checked and functional fire extinguisher
  • a solid steering system
  • a solid, noise-damping device for the exhaust gas discharge

Recommended equipment for all boats

  • an anchor with a sufficiently long line or chain
  • lifebuoy
  • First aid equipment
  • Paddle or oars
  • Tool
  • hand lamp
  • radio receiver
  • other nautical equipment
  • Only current, corrected nautical charts should be used (correction service charts at www.bsh.de )

For pleasure boats registered in Croatia

According to Croatian law, all vessels over 2.5 m in length or with an engine power exceeding 5 kW must be registered in the boat registry. Vessels are registered by the Harbor Master's Office or its branch office. First, you need to know the category of your vessel. There are two main categories of vessels flying the Croatian flag: Boat: A boat is a vessel between 2.5 m and 12 m in length, or with a total engine power exceeding 5 kW. The vessel can be registered with any port authority, and especially with any branch office, and receive a harbor office label and a number if used for private purposes. Vessels used for commercial purposes are first numbered and then have the harbor office marking. The technical inspection for boats up to 5 m is mandatory only for initial registration, and for vessels larger than 5 m, every 5 years and is usually performed by the harbor master. Only commercial vessels are subject to different technical inspection intervals (every two years). Yacht: A yacht is a vessel used for pleasure, whether for personal or commercial purposes, with a length of more than 12 meters and for longer voyages. Registration of a yacht can only be done with the port authority. The technical inspection of the yacht is carried out by the Croatian Maritime Registry. For commercial yachts, this is once a year, and for sport and entertainment yachts, it is every five years. The following minimum marine equipment is required:

  • Life jackets for everyone on board
  • First aid kit
  • Light, torch (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea)
  • Signal horn
  • Waterproof flashlight

In addition, yachts over 12 meters in length must carry the following marine equipment if they are in Croatian waters with a maximum distance of 12 nm from the coast:

  • Life raft ISO 9650-1, Pack 2
  • Lifebuoy with buoyant line and signal light
  • Children's life jacket for every child on board
  • 6 hand torches
  • 2 buoyant smoke signals
  • 2 cold protection suits
  • Instructions for use near the rescue equipment
  • A copy of the distress signal board
  • Two safety lines (only for sailboats)


For pleasure boats registered in France

In France, a new regulation (Division 240) regarding the equipment of recreational craft with marine rescue equipment has been in effect since June 1, 2019. It is divided into different territorial waters:

  • < 2 nautical miles

  • from 2 to 6 nautical miles

  • from 6 to 60 nautical miles

  • > 60 nautical miles



For recreational boats registered in Spain

The mandatory survival and safety equipment applies to recreational craft (List 7) ​​with a hull length of 2.5 m to 24 m and is determined by the navigation area of ​​the craft (Regulation FOM/1144/2003 modified by Regulation FOM/1076/2006).

Liferafts must be serviced every year from the date of manufacture by a service station authorized by the manufacturer, with the exception of the first service of a new liferaft, which only needs to be serviced after the first two years.

SOLAS approved liferafts must be equipped with emergency equipment according to SOLAS Pack A in Zone 1 and with emergency equipment according to SOLAS Pack B in Zones 2 and 3.

In principle, all prescribed life rafts must undergo a conformity test by the responsible authority. The authority then issues a permit for a specific period.

For pleasure boats registered in Italy

The life rafts must have Italian approval. Maintenance must be carried out every two years by maintenance stations authorized by the manufacturer. The only exception: the first maintenance of the Coastal life raft is not required until after three years.

In principle, the equipment regulations valid in Germany apply to recreational boats under the German flag.

In Italy, however, there are regulations for all boats under the Italian flag mandatory equipment regulations for the respective sailing area. Therefore, inspections of boats flying the German flag by Italian authorities can cause difficulties due to the different interpretation of the law. Fines may even be imposed if no safety equipment is carried.

To avoid inconvenience, it is advisable, in the spirit of good seamanship, to carry an appropriate number of equipment and signalling devices, appropriate to the size of the boat and adapted to the distance from the coast and the cruising area.

Skippers who wish to fully comply with Italian legal regulations regarding safety equipment require the following equipment, depending on the distance from the shoreline. These requirements correspond to the new Italian shipping law, which takes effect on October 21, 2024:

C) General requirements and equivalences
1. When sailing alone at night, you must always wear a life jacket.
2. Regardless of the distance from the coast where the navigation takes place, the drivers of sailboards and dinghies, kitesurfers, motorcycles
of water and similar units as well as the transported persons always wear a personal buoyancy aid
with minimum performance class 50, CE marking according to ISO standards in the currently valid version.
3. The compass deviation table will only be updated in case of equipment changes or structural changes that
magnetic differentials.
4. The hand flare may be replaced by an LED device provided it complies with SOLAS MED requirements as amended by the IMO regulations.
5. The magnetic compass can be replaced by an electronic compass.
— 63 —
21.09.2024 Ordinary Supplement No. 35/L in the OFFICIAL GAZETTE, General Series – No. 222
6. Nautical charts may be replaced by electronic cartography in accordance with the decree of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
Transport, published in the Official Journal – General Series No. 193 of 19.08.2002.
7. The EPIRB can be replaced by a satellite phone equipped with a device for sending distress messages to the IMRCC. And
in accordance with the Legislative Decree of 22 June 2016, No. 128 or the Decree of the President of the Republic of 20 December 2017, No. 239,
still compliant with EN 60945.
8. The bell can be replaced by a portable sound device.
9. The deck safety belt can be integrated with a life jacket or other protective device
certified person.
10. The characteristics and requirements of additional equipment shall be determined by decree of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport
considered equivalent to those prescribed.
Notes
x Vessels sailing more than 12 miles from the coast and within the boundaries of the national search and rescue (SAR) area, if
Equipped with electronic geolocation instruments, they can have on board the collective rescue equipment required for the
Navigation within 12 miles of the coast (Article 54(1) of the Regulation).
x Pneumatic units, including rigid ones, with CE marking, categories A, B and C, compliant with UNI standards
EN ISO 6185 Parts 3 and 4, are exempt from the obligation to equip themselves with the self-inflating raft referred to in Annex V, in the case of navigation
within twelve miles of the coast, if they are equipped with the survival kit provided for collective survival craft (Article 54 paragraph
2-bis of the Regulation).
x The collective rescue vessel intended for navigation within 12 miles of the coast may be replaced by the vessel
Service tyres with CE marking and in accordance with UNI EN ISO 6185, provided they are a ready-to-use unit
and manually startable, equipped with a re-boarding device and a survival kit for the collective rescue vehicle,
be capable of carrying the number of persons on board, including the crew (Article 54(2) of the Regulation).
x The lifejacket is marked with the unit's registration number (Article 53 paragraph 1-bis of the Regulation).
x Service vessels, including watercraft falling within the category of ships when operating within one mile of the coast
or of the unit, wherever it is located, are not required to have safety equipment, and lifeguards, with the exception of life-saving equipment
Individual (Article 55 of the Regulation).
D) Regulatory references to Tables A) and B)
a) Devices approved in accordance with Decree of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of 12 August 2002, No. 1. 219.
b) Devices approved in accordance with the Decree of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of 2 March 2009, published in the Official Gazette
Official – General Serial No. 85 dated April 11, 2009.
(c) CE-marked products according to the amended ISO standards or alternatively SOLAS MED-marked products
(Rudder) according to the amended IMO regulations as stated in General Series Circular No. 80/2009 of 17.11.2009
of the General Command of the Port Authority Corps.
(d) SOLAS MED certified equipment (rudder) in accordance with IMO regulations as amended.
e) SOLAS MED certified devices (Timoncino) approved in accordance with the amended IMO regulations or in accordance with the Decree
of the Minister for Transport and Shipping of 29 September 1999, No. 385.
f) SOLAS MED certified devices (Timoncino) in accordance with the amended IMO regulations or approved according to Ministerial Decree
of 29 September 1999, No. 387.
g) Devices approved under Ministerial Decree No. 1 of 29 September 1999. 388.
h) in accordance with Table D annexed to the Decree of the Ministry of Health of 25 May 1988, No. 279 and subsequent amendments.
(i) AP devices

Portable fire extinguishers (ABC)

Motorized boats flying the Italian flag are required to carry a fire extinguisher. The size and capacity of the extinguisher depend on the engine power. The extinguisher's filler material must be approved for extinguishing Class B fires.

ABC extinguishers are permitted as long as they contain the required extinguishing units of extinguishing agent B.

Sports boats up to 10 m total length
Engine power in kW fire extinguisher
up to 18.4 1 x 13B
over 18.4 to 147 1 x 21B
over 147 1 x 34B

For recreational boats up to 10 meters in length with engines up to 147 kW (200 hp), a 1 kg ABC fire extinguisher is sufficient. This contains approximately 34 extinguishing units for Class B fires.

Sports boats over 10 m total length
Engine power in kW near helm station near engine compartment nearby cabins
up to 18.4 1 x 13B - 1 x 13B
over 18.4 to 74 1 x 13B 1 x 21B 1 x 13B
over 74 to 147 1 x 13B 2 x 13B 1 x 13B
over 147 to 294 1 x 13B 1 x 21B & 1 x 13B 1 x 13B
over 294 to 368 1 x 13B 1 x 34B & 1 x 21B 1 x 13B
over 368 1 x 13B 2 x 34B 1 x 13B

Recreational boats with a permanently installed fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment require one 13B extinguisher for power up to 294 kW (380 hp). Power above 249 kW requires one 21B extinguisher.

Signal pistols

A European Firearms Pass is required for a flare pistol. Import and use are permitted provided it is part of the boat's safety equipment.

How do I store a flare gun?

During transport, ammunition must be kept separate from the weapon. It must always be kept locked on board.

Registration of signal pistols

When crossing borders by land or sea, the signal pistol does not need to be declared in writing. However, it is advisable to verbally declare the signal pistol to border officials prior to a possible inspection.

For pleasure boats registered in Switzerland

The following marine rescue equipment must be carried by ocean-going yachts flying the Swiss flag:

• Device for locating and rescuing people who have fallen overboard.

• three red automatic hand-held flares, three parachute-deployed distress flares, two smoke signals.

• a signaling mirror.

• one or more inflatable life rafts with a total capacity for all persons on board and depending on the type of navigation, in accordance with ISO 9650-1 (24h+); the life raft must be easily accessible.

• One life jacket per person with at least 150N.

• One lifebelt and one safety belt per person (possibly combined with a life jacket).

• one waterproof lamp per person.

• a device that enables a person in the water to climb back on board.

• fixed or portable lighting for searching and locating a person in the sea (at night).

• Onboard first aid kit with instructions.

• Flags N and C.

For recreational boats registered in Portugal

In Portugal, the so-called Decreto Lei No. 93/2018 determines the regulations for equipping recreational boats with marine rescue equipment.

Regulation 1464/2002 regulates in detail the requirements regarding equipment with maritime rescue equipment.

For pleasure craft registered in Great Britain

The following lists include essential, mandatory and recommended items for vessels up to 13.7 metres and over 13.7 metres in length.

Recommendations for safety equipment for recreational craft – vessels up to 13.7 m in length

Essential
Life jacket (or buoyancy aid) for everyone on board
Safety belts (varies depending on boat type)
Paint line and spare (varies depending on boat type)
Marine radio (VHF)
Map(s), almanac and port guide
hand bearing compass
Handheld white flares or powerful flashlight (for collision avoidance)
406 MHz EPIRB/PLB (varies depending on the application)
Emergency flares
First aid kit
Life raft and holding bag (varies depending on the area of ​​use)
Firefighting equipment
Man overboard rescue equipment (lifebuoy, life buoy, etc.)
Emergency tiller (for boats with wheel steering) (varies depending on boat type)
Equipment for dealing with water ingress (boiler, bilge pump, plugs)
Bucket (strong with carrying strap)
Emergency VHF antenna for fixed VHF (varies depending on boat type)
Anchor and cable/chain
Tools and spare parts (engine, electrics, rigging, sails)
Entry ladder
Alternative fuel
Waterproof flashlights
Mooring lines and fenders
Knife
Pump and puncture repair kit (for inflatable boats)
Alternative means of propulsion (oars, outboard motor, etc.)
Ship's log
Accurate clock or wristwatch

Mandatory
radar reflector
Life-saving signals
Navigation lights, daytime forms and sound signaling devices

Recommended
LW Radio
Fixed steering compass (illuminated at night)
Drawing devices for navigation (plotters and dividers)
binoculars
echo sounder
protocol
GPS/chart plotter
Navtex
Barometer (varies depending on the area of ​​application)
Storm sails (for sailing yachts) (varies depending on the area of ​​use)
Boatswain's chair (for sailing yachts) (varies depending on boat type)
Tender
tow rope
boat hook

At your discretion
MF/HF radio (varies depending on the application)
SSB radio and/or satellite phone (varies depending on the area of ​​use)
Automated Identification System (AIS)
radar
SART/ AIS SART (varies depending on the area of ​​operation)
Propeller guard and rope cutter
Sea anchor and/or sea anchor (varies depending on the application)

Recommendations for safety equipment for recreational craft – vessels over 13.7 m in length

Essential
Life jacket (or buoyancy aid) for everyone on board
seat belts
Paint line and spare (varies depending on boat type)
Map(s), almanac and port guide
hand bearing compass
406 MHz EPIRB/PLB (varies depending on the application)
Emergency flares
First aid kit
Emergency tiller (for wheel-steered boats)
Equipment for dealing with water ingress (boiler, bilge pump, plugs)
Emergency VHF antenna for fixed VHF (varies depending on boat type)
Anchor and cable/chain
Tools and spare parts (engine, electrics, rigging, sails)
Alternative fuel
Waterproof flashlights
Mooring lines and fenders
Knife
Pump and puncture repair kit (for inflatable boats)
Alternative means of propulsion (oars, outboard motor, etc.)
Ship's log
Accurate clock or wristwatch

Mandatory
radar reflector
Life-saving signals
Navigation lights, daytime forms and sound signaling devices
Marine radio (VHF)
MF/HF radio (varies depending on the application)
Handheld white flares (to avoid collisions) or powerful flashlight
Life raft and holding bag (varies depending on the area of ​​use)
Firefighting equipment
Man overboard rescue equipment (lifebuoy, life buoy, etc.)
Bucket (strong with carrying strap)
Entry ladder

Recommended
Fixed steering compass (illuminated at night)
Drawing devices for navigation (plotters and dividers)
binoculars
echo sounder
protocol
GPS/chart plotter
Navtex
barometer
Storm sails (for sailing yachts)
Bosun's chair (for sailing yachts)
Tender
tow rope
boat hook

At your discretion
SSB radio and/or satellite phone
Automated Identification System (AIS)
radar
SART/ AIS SART
Propeller guard and rope cutter
sea ​​anchor and/or sea anchor