Safety equipment on board

[Bahama Rick]

I was looking for 25mm flares for my flare gun and was told at the boat store that you do not need flares in TN. I thought if body of water was navigable from the ocean or crossed state lines that Coast Guard rules apply. What's the rule? Also i have type I lifevests and was told ski vest types are OK. In my other life I use to take my 17 footer out of sight of land in the Bahamas so I wanted all sorts of safety stuff on board.

As an aside did you know that anchors are not required equipment? But it sure is nice to have a brake if the engine quits and the current is taking you over the dam.

 

[pondguy]

go tothe links page go to the TWRA web site goto boating and the regulations are listed there.

 

[Liveliner]

I do have Flares in my boat since I use mine in the ocean, However there is no requirement for them around here.</p>

I have seen flares in Walmart.  I do know that Boaters World has a selection.</p>

 

[Carl Guffey]

A plus, for you and your craft, coast guard rules do apply on inland waterways if they(waterways) cross state lines. Most any safety item is available from West Marine either on line or local stores. There is one in Knoxville, I don't know if there are any in Chattanooga?

I used to sail a 32 O'day out of Coconut grove to Bimini and all saftey items will be appreciated at one time or another....

 

[Bahama Rick]

Thanks for the info. Tennessee law says they follow the USCG ColRegs so I guess you need flares to be "legal". I used to have a 100 ton USCG Masters ticket but have only cruised offshore Florida and the Bahamas and have not done any inland boating for 30 yrs. Guess I'll try my parachute flares next July 4th. Don't know what to do with my VHF radio. I always went to sea prepared for the worst but hoped to have a great time. So far I've only had great times on the water. I see fish hitting bait out the back window so I think I'll wet a line.

 

[Carl Guffey]

The VHF can still be used, as there are places along the Tennessee River where cell phones don't work. Also all locks will respond to VHF as well as phones.

 

[Cathooker]

http://www.boatclix.com/buying/require.html

 

[Guest]

Carl Guffey - 7/27/2007 10:07 AM

The VHF can still be used, as there are places along the Tennessee River where cell phones don't work. Also all locks will respond to VHF as well as phones.

Cell phones don't work too well in the gorge but start back up around Mullins cove