Sport & Utility BoatsSUBS

The fastest growing area of RecreationalBoating, SUB are everywhere on our

lakes,rivers, and oceans from coast to coast..

Sport Utility Boats (SUB)

•Canoe

•Kayak

•Rowboat

•Pedal boat

•Any other Vessel NOT engine powered

What’s a SUB?

CANOE

KAYAK

ROWBOAT

PEDAL BOAT

VSCs For SUBTo award a VSC decal to a non-

motorized (SUB) boat:

Many VSC requirements are the same as for other

vessels their size

NUMBERING & REGISTRATION

Most states do not require registration numbers onnon-motorized boats such as SUBs.  

Since the display of numbers is not required in many

States, know where your hull identification numberis located and keep a copy in a safe place.

If they are required, carry these documents aboardthe SUB in a waterproof container that is tethered

tothe craft or stored in a dry bag.

LIFE-JACKET

Each person must have an approved type I, II, III, or V PFD.  Kayak and canoe users need to consider the use of a comfortable fitting PFD that allows for a full range of arm movement, is not bulky and has pockets and D-rings to tether safety equipment. The PFD should be worn whenever under way.

SOUND PRODUCING

DEVICES• All vessels must have a means of

signaling.

• Sail and paddle or oar powered vessels may meet this requirement by having a marine distress whistle on board. 

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS

A signaling mirror designed for marine use should be attached to each PFD along with a small, waterproof, strobe light to facilitate both day and night distress signaling.

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS

The following boats are not required tocarry VDS during daytime operation:

-- All manually-propelled boats

         -- Open sailboats less than 26 feet in length without propulsion machinery

These vessels are required to carry nightsignals when operating from sunset tosunrise.

NAVIGATION LIGHTS

All vessels are required to displaynavigation lights at night and duringperiods of reduced visibility.

Sail and paddle or oar powered boats of less than 22 ft. may meet this requirementby having a flashlight in good working order with spare batteries.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS RECOMMENDED, SPECIFIC TO SPORT UTILITY BOATS

USE A SPRAY SKIRT

• There is nothing more uncomfortable than having the cockpit of a kayak filled with water from a passing boat wake or that wave that got by unnoticed.

• Learn how to properly attach the spray skirt and how to remove it in an emergency

HAT OR HELMET• Wear a hat to

provide protection from the sun. 

• Helmets for rapids and rough seas

• Use sun sunscreen for additional protection.

DRY-BAGS

• Store small items such as sunscreen, bug repellent, first aid items, food and snacks in a waterproof dry-bag tethered to the boat. 

• When tying down these

items make sure they are stowed in an area that will not interfere with users ability to exit the vessel in the event of a capsize situation.

RESCUE GEARRescue gear such

as throw bags, tow

lines or other

devices should be

carried, particularly

when traveling in

groups.

SPARE PADDLE/OAR

• Pack a spare paddle or oar and secure it to the boat. 

• Use a paddle leash attached to a forward fitting or bungee cord to prevent loss of the paddle in rough water.

PRACTICE

• Practice wet exits from a kayak or canoe in safe, calm, shallow water.  This will allow you to gain confidence and capability in the event capsizing occurs on open deeper waters.

OTHER ITEMS

BOATING SAFETY COURSE

All boaters should be encouraged to take a Boating Safety Course such as America’s Boating Course.

CLEAN UP

•Pack a trash bag. Take all refuse away with you.

•Leave every stop or campsite cleaner than when you found it.

BUDDY SYSTEM

•Bring a friend.

•It is always safer to paddle in a group.

VSC For SUB

SMART START FOR PADDLERS