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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/boat-distress-signals-where-required

Where does the federal visual distress signal carriage rule apply?

Coastal waters, the Great Lakes and territorial seas, plus connected waters.

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  1. On every lake and river
  2. Coastal waters, the Great Lakes, and territorial seas ✔
  3. Only more than 12 miles offshore

Why: 33 CFR 175 requires visual distress signals on coastal waters, the U.S. Great Lakes, territorial seas, and connected waters until they narrow to 2 nautical miles wide. Signals are still smart everywhere.

Huh, didn't know that: Boats under 16 feet only need night signals, and only when out between sunset and sunrise.

The dad joke
What do you call a lake that brags a lot? A great lake.
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References

Answer: Coastal waters, the Great Lakes, and territorial seas. 33 CFR 175 requires visual distress signals on coastal waters, the U.S. Great Lakes, territorial seas, and connected waters until they narrow to 2 nautical miles wide. Signals are still smart everywhere.

  1. USCG A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
    Vessels operating on U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes, and territorial seas, as well as those waters connected directly
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. 33 CFR 175.110 Visual distress signals required (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-175.110
    Between sunset and sunrise, no person may use a boat less than 16 feet in length unless visual distress signals suitable for night use
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Boating & WaterOn coastal waters, a boat under 16 feet must carry which visual distress signals?Boating & WaterFederal rules say a recreational boat must carry how many wearable life jackets?Boating & WaterAt what boat length does federal law add a throwable flotation device to the wearable ones?

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