Radio and Flares

[kygofish]

I will be down fishing the Shell Point area in my 17 ft. boat. I was wondering if I have to have a Uhf radio and flares? If so how may flares? Thanks.

[tin can]

A radio is not required, but highly recommended. The flairs are required. I believe you have to have 3. That's probably why they're sold in 3 packs.

[Mook!]

When purchasing flares, make sure to get the day / night dual purpose. They cost a little bit more but then you only need one set. You are required to have night certified flares if traveling in coastal waters before sunrise or after sunset, which means the officially posted time, which is usually 30 minutes or so after safe light on the rise and vice versa. Aside from that, remember a day time trip can easily turn in to a night time trip when you decide to go home before darka nd the boat don't start.

Also check the certification expiration date on the flares when you buy them. Just like a grocery store, some shops will hide the ones with the latest expiration date. I bought some last year and the first 5 packs on both rows of the shelf expired 3/10 - the two in the back expired 8/10 so I bought myself 5 extra months for the same price.

[Dubble Trubble]

Answers No and Yes.

HOWEVER, if you venture out in the gulf anywhere without a good VHF radio, be sure your wife has your life insurance policy up to date....

Here ya go:

Equipment list

Dubble

[Reel Cowboy]

A VHF radio is like a Master card don't leave home without it. Flares are required you need three but I keep my expired ones cause if you need them the dates ain't that big of a deal.

[Redphisher]

Is there a rule/law that says if your boat is under 16' then flares are not required by law but still recomended. Just wondering, it seems that I've heard that from the Game and Fish guys.

[Mook!]

Last time I checked they are still required for night operation - not sure whether or not there's an exemption for day time only. If you're not in coastal waters or international, then I don't think you need them, but that covers just about anywhere you can get anywhere near salt water.

I know that according to the boater safety handbook and an FWC officer, I'm required to have them on my 14' canoe when sunset fishing after work, with or without a motor, and the same goes for bow and stern lights.

The only under 16' requirement exemption I know of (Again last time I checked and it's been a while so double-check this) is that under 16' you are not required to have the throwable PFD / Seat cushion etc. I only know that cause one FWC officer tried to write Mojo a ticket for not having a spare PFD or throwing ring in his J16, and fortunately the partner FWC officer looked at the registration and saw that it was under 16, after which the two argued, pulled out a statute book, and read that we were not required to have such.

[kygofish]

Thanks forthe info. I want to be safe . I would rather spend money on equitment for the boat than a fine.