2-2
255 Owner’s Manual
Section 2
Cuddy Cabin
Required Safety Equipment
The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 (FBSA/71)
established minimum safety standards for boats
and associated equipment, specified by the USCG.
In addition, the ABYC and the NMMA work with
boat builders to develop voluntary standards that
exceed base requirements.
The included safety equipment on your Cobalt boat
meets or exceeds the standards of the USCG,
ABYC and the NMMA. Some required safety
equipment such as personal flotation devices are
not included with your Cobalt boat. Your authorized
Cobalt dealer can help you choose the appropriate
equipment.
NOTICE: Many states’ equipment requirements
go beyond USCG requirements. Contact your
state boating office for further information.
Equipment requirements for coastal and inland
waters differ. Check with local authorities or the
USCG for further information about coastal
water requirements.
Navigation Lights
All power boats underway between sunset and
sunrise must display proper navigation lights. All
boats at anchor must display a proper anchor light.
Anchor light must be visible 360 degrees. Your
Cobalt boat is equipped with international
navigation lights.
Horn or Whistle
All boats over 4.8 m (16 ft) in length must be
equipped with an operable horn or whistle, audible
from one mile. Your Cobalt boat is equipped with a
USCG approved horn.
Fire Extinguisher
All inboard/outboard boats must carry an
appropriate portable marine type fire extinguisher
in operable condition and accessible location. Your
Cobalt boat is equipped with a portable fire
extinguisher and may have a fixed system fire
extinguisher.
Lifesaving Devices
All boats must carry one USCG approved Type I, II,
or III, wearable, personal flotation device, of the
proper size, for each person on board. All boats
over 16 ft (4.8 m) in length must carry one USCG
approved Type IV throwable lifesaving device, such
as a ring buoy or buoyant cushion. To meet
requirements, each lifesaving device must have a
currently legible USCG approval stamp
permanently affixed. Your authorized Cobalt dealer
can help you select appropriate PFDs and
throwable lifesaving devices for your area.
Visual Distress Signals
All boats over 4.8 m (16 ft) must have onboard day
and night visual distress signals. Your authorized
Cobalt dealer can help you select appropriate
visual distress signals for your area.
Recommended Safety Equipment
In spite of all efforts to the contrary, problems or
mishaps sometimes occur while boating. Stock
these items listed below on your boat to help make
unexpected events more manageable.
• Anchor and anchor line
• Compass
• First aid kit
• Distress signals (flag for daytime, flares for
darkness)
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• Portable radio
• Cellular phone
• Sea anchor
• Binoculars
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
(EPIRB)
• Boat hook
• Sun glasses and sun block lotion
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