Sport Utility Boats (SUB)

2. Sport Utility Boats (SUB) The fastest growing area of Recreational Boating.

3. What’s an SUB? • Canoe • Kayak • Rowboat • Pedal boat • A Vessel NOT engine powered

4. CANOE

5. KAYAK

6. ROWBOAT

7. PEDAL BOAT

8. VSCs For SUB

9. VSCs For SUBTo award a VSC decal to a non-motorized (SUB) boat: REQUIRED ITEMS

10. NUMBERING • Most states do not require registration numbers on non-motorized boats. • Use 3" block letters of contrasting colors. • Check your State Requirements. 

11. REGISTRATION • These documents, if required by your State, must be easily available for examination.

12. LIFE-JACKET • Each person must have an approved type I, II, III, or V PFD.  • The PFD should be worn whenever under way.

13. SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES • All vessels must have a means of signaling. • SUB can meet this requirement with a marine distress whistle. 

14. VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS • SUB must comply with Federal and State VDS requirements. • If required they must have three flares on board or an equivalent number of alternative USCG approved signals. 

15. VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS

16. NAVIGATION LIGHTS • Navigation Lights are required on all vessels operating at night and during periods of reduced visibility. • A flashlight in good working order with spare batteries can be used on SUBs.

17. NAVIGATION RULES • Boats 39.4 feet and over must have on board a current copy of the Navigation Rules.

18. STATE AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS • The SUB must comply with all state and local requirements.  • Check the boating safety web page for the your State to determine if there are any additional safety requirements. 

19. OVERALL VESSELCONDITION • The boat must be well maintained and suitable for its area of use.

20. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ALL SPORT UTILITY BOATS

21. FILE A FLOAT PLAN • Information about the operator, the vessel, and transport vehicle. • The route of travel, date and time of arrival and departure. • Posting a float plan with friends is a great life insurance policy

22. USE A SPRAY SKIRT • Learn how to properly attach the spray skirt and how to remove it in an emergency

23. CHECK THE WEATHER • Monitor weather conditions.  • Bring a weather radio or use a VHF radio with a weather channel.  • Check sky and sea conditions.

24. FIRST AID KIT • Pack a waterproof First Aid kit. • Take basic first aid and CPR training.

25. HAT OR HELMET • Wear a Hat.  • Wear a Helmet for rapids and rough seas. • Use Sunscreen.

26. WATER, SNACKS, AND CLOTHING • Bring drinking water, snacks and clothing. • Dress properly for existing and expected weather conditions.  • Cold water requires the use of wet or dry suits.

27. WATER, SNACKS, AND CLOTHING

28. DRY-BAGS • Store all loose items in waterproof bags tethered to the boat. 

29. BILGE PUMP • Carry a small PVC type bilge pump. • Use a floatation collar. 

30. RESCUE GEAR • Bring throw bags, tow lines and other rescue gear.

31. 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

32. VHF RADIO, GPS, COMPASS • Bring a VHF Radio, GPS, and Cell Phone. • Bring a hand held compass as a back up.

33. CHARTS • Carry a chart. • Local knowledge of your route is key. • Learn basic coastal navigation.

34. PRACTICE • Practice wet exits from a kayak or canoe in safe, calm, shallow water. 

35. OTHER ITEMS

36. BOATING SAFETY COURSE • All boaters should be take a Boating Safety Course.

37. SMART START FOR PADDLERS

38. CLEAN UP • Pack a trash bag. • Take all refuse away with you. • Leave every stop cleaner than when you found it.

39. BUDDY SYSTEM • Bring a friend. • It is always safer to paddle in a group.