Coast Guard minimum equipment requirements vary with the size of your boat, type of propulsion, whether operated at night or in periods of reduced visibility, and, in some cases, the body of water on which it is used. Boats carrying passengers for hire have additional equipment requirements. For more complete details on how many and what types of equipment you must have aboard your boat, request a copy of the free brochure, "Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats", either from your local BOAT/U.S. Marine Center, the BOAT/U.S. Foundation, or from the Coast Guard Consumer Hotline at 800-368-5647.