A sound-producing device that must be carried on board a boat is a whistle or horn. This device is essential for signaling and communication, especially in situations where visibility is low or to alert other vessels of your presence. Regulations may vary by location, so it's important to check local maritime laws for specific requirements.
A certificate of boat registration must be carried on the boat when the boat is in operation. If the registration is not on the boat the owner could be fined.
lifeboat, raft
Lifeboat.
In the State of Georgia and probably everywhere else you have to have it in hand whenever the boat is in the water and especially when under power.
center board
The Certificate of Boat Registration must be carried on board a vessel whenever the boat is being operated on the water. This document serves as proof of ownership and verifies that the vessel is registered with the appropriate authorities. Failure to have the registration card on board can result in fines or penalties during a routine inspection by law enforcement or regulatory agencies. It's essential for boaters to keep this document accessible while navigating.
I think flotation device and 1 safety vest per person are required.
A board towed behind a boat is called a Planer.
A 15-foot boat is typically required to have a personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board, a sound-producing device (like a whistle), and a fire extinguisher if the boat has an enclosed space for cooking or sleeping. Additionally, a visual distress signal may be needed, depending on the body of water and local regulations. It's important to check local laws, as requirements can vary by state or region.
While there isnt really a legal definition of what constitutes a boat or a ship, seamen generally go by the principle definition that a BOAT can be carried by a SHIP but a SHIP cannot be carried by a BOAT.
A life jacket In the US, that would be a US Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
When on board and facing the front of the boat where is the stern