What safety equipment is required on all boats?

Life jackets are a crucial piece of safety equipment required on all boats because they play a vital role in ensuring the safety of boaters. In the event of an emergency, wearing a life jacket can significantly increase the chances of survival if someone falls overboard or if the boat capsizes. The requirement for life jackets is grounded in the need to provide every individual on a boat with a flotation device, making it easier to stay afloat and be rescued.

While other safety equipment, such as a fire extinguisher, is also important and required under specific circumstances, the universal requirement for life jackets applies to nearly all boating situations. This ensures that as a safety measure, everyone on board has immediate access to a personal flotation device, which is essential for safety on the water.