Boating
Marinas
Boating activities are as varied as the boats and boaters who participate, and new ways of enjoying the water are constantly being discovered.
Freshwater Fishing Boats account for approximately 1/3 of all registered boats in the U.S., and most all other types of boats end up being used for fishing on occasion. The boating industry has evolved and developed Freshwater Fishing Boat designs that are species-specific to allow anglers the greatest advantage when fishing for walleye, salmon, trout, bass, etcetera, as well as generic fishing craft.
Since it is a recreational activity, most boating is done in calm protected waters and during good weather. Even so, conditions can change rapidly, and a small vessel can get into life-threatening difficulties. It is important to keep an inventory of safety gear onboard every boat, which is prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard as well as state boating law administrators in the U.S. Depending on the size of the boat and how it's powered, required equipment may include: personal flotation devices (PFDs or life jackets) for everyone on board, a throwable flotation device (in the U.S., a Type IV PFD), navigation lights suitable for the type of boat operation, visual distress signals (VSDs) which are effective both day and night, sound making devices including horns and bells, fire extinguisher(s) and a copy of the Inland Rules of the Road.
Other items might seem obvious but are not actually required by law. They include a flashlight, first aid kit, paddles, whistles, anchor and rope, engine spare parts, bilge pumps, a VHF radio or mobile phone, etc.
In addition to these safety items listed above, the Code of Federal Regulations lists some additional required items that may not fall into the common definition of "safety" items: backfire arresters on gasoline powered vessels, ventilation systems on gasoline powered vessels, plaques which list the penalties associated with pollution due to oil discharge, or dumping trash overboard, a marine sanitation system (MSD) which prevents water pollution from sewage.
Other Resources:
Kentucky Dept of Fish & Wildlife Resources
Tennessee Wildlife Resources