USCG Flare Kit, Throwable Flotation & Fire Extinguisher

Carry the signals, flotation and fire gear that help when a day on the water goes wrong.

Intermediate

5 min

USCG FLARE KIT, THROWABLE FLOTATION & FIRE EXTINGUISHER
[ ] Red Aerial Flares
[ ] Type IV Throwable Ring
[ ] Marine Fire Ext.
[ ] Horn

Red Aerial Flares: the owner's spec. Pyrotechnic signals expire and need to be stored and handled as the maker directs. Check disposal for expired flares with your local fire department or marine agency.
Type IV Throwable Ring: Type IV is a Coast Guard category for throwable devices. Check the label for approval.
Marine Fire Ext.: choose one rated for marine use and check the label for its rating.
Horn: a sound signal that can be heard across open water. Test it, and carry a backup.

Check the dates. Flares and extinguishers have dates and gauges on them. Look at them at home and again at the dock. Why it matters: gear that is out of date may not work when you need it.
Stage it where you can reach it. Signals, throwable and extinguisher belong near the helm, not buried under coolers. Show every adult aboard where each one is.
Practice the plan. Talk through who throws the ring, who calls for help and who handles the fire gear. Check current guidance at uscgboating.org.

Gear types only.

Visual distress signal kit in a waterproof container
Throwable flotation device with line
Marine-rated fire extinguisher with a bracket
Electronic or canister horn
Wild Dirt stickers for your dry box or cooler (sticker category)

Which flares, extinguishers, throwables and sound signals your boat must carry depends on the boat's size, type and waterway, and the rules change. Check current local rules before every season. Start with the U.S. Coast Guard (uscgboating.org) and your state boating agency, and for federal waters or parks, nps.gov or fs.usda.gov.

A good boating day is one where nobody needs the kit and everybody knows where it is. Built by explorers, for the water and the trail.

Visual distress signals

Red Aerial Flares, stored together in a dry, easy-to-reach container
Read the date printed on each flare and replace any that are past it
Read the maker's instructions for firing before you need them
Keep flares away from fuel, heat and children

Throwable flotation

Type IV Throwable Ring or cushion, kept where one person can grab it fast
Line attached and coiled so it can be thrown without tangling
Check the cover and foam for rot, cracks or mildew

Fire

Marine Fire Ext. mounted where you can reach it from the helm
Check the gauge or indicator before every trip
Look at the maker's label for the rating and the service or replace date
Make sure everyone aboard knows where it is

Sound signal

Horn tested before you leave the dock
Spare horn canister or a whistle in reach as a backup

Before you cast off

Life jackets for everyone aboard, in good shape and in reach
Float plan: launch point, route and return time left with someone ashore
Forecast, wind and water conditions checked
Gear list checked against current local rules for your boat size and waterway

Visual distress signals

Red Aerial Flares, stored together in a dry, easy-to-reach container
Read the date printed on each flare and replace any that are past it
Read the maker's instructions for firing before you need them
Keep flares away from fuel, heat and children

Throwable flotation

Type IV Throwable Ring or cushion, kept where one person can grab it fast
Line attached and coiled so it can be thrown without tangling
Check the cover and foam for rot, cracks or mildew

Fire

Marine Fire Ext. mounted where you can reach it from the helm
Check the gauge or indicator before every trip
Look at the maker's label for the rating and the service or replace date
Make sure everyone aboard knows where it is

Sound signal

Horn tested before you leave the dock
Spare horn canister or a whistle in reach as a backup

Before you cast off

Life jackets for everyone aboard, in good shape and in reach
Float plan: launch point, route and return time left with someone ashore
Forecast, wind and water conditions checked
Gear list checked against current local rules for your boat size and waterway