A boat’s class is defined by its length, which is measured along the center line, from the tip of the bow to the stern, not including platforms, outboard motors, attachments, or anything that is not part of the actual hull. The class of a boat governs the safety requirements set forth by federal and state law. These requirements are regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard.
As we’ve mentioned, boat class is determined by length and is strictly related to the safety guidelines set forth by law. Boat category, on the other hand, is the type of boat as defined by manufacturers; categories such as bay boat, center console, deck boat, skiff, etc.
Boats are divided into 4 classes: Class A, Class I, Class II and Class III. The only feature used to appoint a boat’s class is its length.
A Class A boat is any boat whose total length is under 16 feet.
Boats that meet this classification include:
It is not required to have day signals on board Class A boats, but it is required to have visual distress signals on board when operating at night. The signal must have been made within the last 42 months. A sound device such as a whistle or horn must also be present at all times.
The vessel must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved, Type I, II, III or V personal floatation device per person aboard. These must fit all persons properly, including children, and should be easily accessible. It is recommended that everyone wear their flotation device at all times, but the requirement is only that it is within reach of the individual that will be wearing it.
All of the above requirements are the same for canoes and kayaks. For all Class A vessels other than canoes and kayaks, the following requirements apply.
These boats must have a B-I fire extinguisher if it has a permanent fuel tank, enclosed engine, or enclosed living space. Vessels with enclosed engines are required to have U.S. Coast Guard approved ventilation systems, and for boats with gasoline-powered engines, excluding outboard motors, a backfire flame arrestor must be on board. Lastly, if there is an installed toilet, the boat must be equipped with a Type I, II, or III Marine Sanitation device.
A Class I boat is any boat whose total length is between 16 and 26 feet.
Boats that meet this classification include:
It is required to have a minimum of three day and night use flares signals on board Class I boats. You are allowed one non-flare signal substitute each for day and night. The day signal must be an orange distress flag and the acceptable substitute at night is an electric SOS light. These signals, including the flares, must have been made within the last 42 months. A sound device such as a whistle or horn must also be present at all times.
The vessel must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved, Type I, II, III or V personal floatation device per person aboard, as well as a throwable Type IV device. These must fit all persons properly, including children, and should be easily accessible. It is recommended that everyone wear their flotation device at all times, but the requirement is only that it is within reach of the individual that will be wearing it.
These boats must have a B-I fire extinguisher if it has a permanent fuel tank, enclosed engine, or enclosed living space. Vessels with enclosed engines are required to have U.S. Coast Guard approved ventilation systems, and for boats with gasoline-powered engines, excluding outboard motors, a backfire flame arrestor must be on board. Lastly, if there is an installed toilet, the boat must be equipped with a Type I, II, or III Marine Sanitation device.
A Class II boat is any boat whose total length is between 26 and 40 feet.
Boats that meet this classification include:
It is required to have a minimum of three day and night use flares signals on board Class II boats. Three combination day/night signals are acceptable. You are allowed one non-flare signal substitute each for day and night. The day signal must be an orange distress flag and the acceptable substitute at night is an electric SOS light. These signals, including the flares, must have been made within the last 42 months. A sound device such as a whistle or horn must also be present at all times.
The vessel must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved, Type I, II, III or V personal floatation device per person aboard, as well as a throwable Type IV device. These must fit all persons properly, including children, and should be easily accessible. It is recommended that everyone wear their flotation device at all times, but the requirement is only that it is within reach of the individual that will be wearing it.
These boats must have either one (1) B-II or two (2) B-I fire extinguishers on board. Vessels with enclosed engines are required to have U.S. Coast Guard approved ventilation systems, and for boats with gasoline-powered engines, excluding outboard motors, a backfire flame arrestor must be on board. If there is an installed toilet, the boat must be equipped with a Type I, II, or III Marine Sanitation device.
A vessel this size must also have a 5” x 8” Oil Discharge placard and a 4” x 9” Waste Discharge placard.
A Class III boat is any boat whose total length is between 40 and 65 feet.
Boats that meet this classification include:
It is required to have a minimum of three day and night use flares signals on board Class III boats. Three combination day/night signals are acceptable. You are allowed one non-flare signal substitute each for day and night. The day signal must be an orange distress flag and the acceptable substitute at night is an electric SOS light. These signals, including the flares, must have been made within the last 42 months. A sound device such as a whistle or horn must also be present at all times.
The vessel must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved, Type I, II, III or V personal floatation device per person aboard, as well as a throwable Type IV device. These must fit all persons properly, including children, and should be easily accessible. It is recommended that everyone wear their flotation device at all times, but the requirement is only that it is within reach of the individual that will be wearing it.
These boats must have either one (1) B-II and one (1) B-I or three (3) B-I fire extinguishers on board. Vessels with enclosed engines are required to have U.S. Coast Guard approved ventilation systems, and for boats with gasoline-powered engines, excluding outboard motors, a backfire flame arrestor must be on board. If there is an installed toilet, the boat must be equipped with a Type I, II, or III Marine Sanitation device.
A vessel this size must also have a 5” x 8” Oil Discharge placard and a 4” x 9” Waste Discharge placard. If there is a galley, a waste management plan is required as well.
With boats this size, it is required to have Inland Navigation Rules aboard.
Although boats over 65 feet in length do not have a class as it relates to personal use boats, they are subject to regulations. The vessel must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved, Type I, II, III or V personal floatation device per person aboard, as well as a throwable Type IV device. These must fit all persons properly, including children, and should be easily accessible. It is recommended that everyone wear their flotation device at all times, but the requirement is only that it is within reach of the individual that will be wearing it.
The fire extinguisher regulations for a vessel of this size are based on weight. These boats must have one (1) B-II fire extinguisher if the boat weighs up to 50 gross tons or two (2) B-II extinguishers if it is over 50 tons. These vessels are required to have U.S. Coast Guard approved ventilation systems, and a backfire flame arrestor. A Type II or III Marine Sanitation device is required.
A vessel this size must also have a 5” x 8” Oil Discharge placard and a 4” x 9” Waste Discharge placard. If there is a galley, a waste management plan is required as well.
With boats this size, it is required to have Inland Navigation Rules aboard.
When you purchase or are aboard any boat, it is important to know its class so you can verify it meets all safety guidelines. In case of emergency, being down even one floatation device, sound signal or flare could completely change a situation. It is always recommended that passengers abide by safety requirement and precautions while on the water. Everyone here at Ingman Marine wishes you a happy and SAFE boating season!
