Which safety equipment must be on board a boat over 16 feet in length?

A throwable flotation device is a mandatory piece of safety equipment for boats over 16 feet in length according to U.S. Coast Guard regulations. This device, often referred to as a Type IV Personal Flotation Device (PFD), is crucial for ensuring the safety of passengers who may fall overboard or find themselves in distress in the water. The design allows it to be easily thrown to someone in need, providing immediate assistance that can be crucial in emergencies. This requirement emphasizes the importance of accessibility and prompt action in life-threatening situations, reinforcing the overall safety protocols on the water.

Other equipment, while useful for general safety and preparedness, does not have the same regulatory requirement for boats over this size. A first aid kit and signaling devices, while highly recommended, are not mandated, and an anchor and rope are important for anchoring but do not directly address immediate safety in the case of a person overboard.