Turns out juggling marine safety gear is harder than it looks. Keeping it ON your boat? That part's on you. Required on Your Boat in Florida: U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for everyone (children under 6 must wear them at all times the vessel [26 feet or under] is underway) Throwable PFD (for boats 16 feet and over) Visual distress signal Sound-producing device (horn or whistle) Fire extinguisher (two for boats over 26 feet) Recommended but not required: First aid kit A safe boat day starts with the right gear. Make sure you have everything before leaving the dock.