🔍 Key Concepts

• Uninspected vessel equipment rules in 46 CFR (life-saving equipment) • Difference in requirements for small boats vs. larger uninspected vessels • When a ring life buoy is required in addition to wearable life jackets (PFDs)

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: At what length does the Coast Guard usually begin adding extra equipment requirements beyond just personal flotation devices? • Think about common small recreational boat sizes—would the smallest ones reasonably be required to carry a ring life buoy? • Consider where you’d most need a throwable ring buoy: on very small craft or on somewhat larger uninspected vessels where crew/passengers move around more?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify the specific length threshold in 46 CFR for ring life buoy on uninspected vessels • Check that you’re not confusing requirements for inspected vessels with those for uninspected ones • Confirm that the size you pick makes sense with practical use of a ring life buoy—space on board, freeboard height, and number of people