What safety equipment is mandatory within 100 nautical miles of shore?

Life preservers for each person on board are mandatory safety equipment within 100 nautical miles of shore. This regulation is in place to ensure that all individuals on a vessel have a personal flotation device readily available in case of an emergency. The presence of life preservers significantly enhances the chances of survival if a person falls overboard or if the vessel finds itself in distress.

The requirement for life preservers is focused on the immediate safety of all people on board, as they provide critical buoyancy and support in the water. Depending on the specific regulation of the area or type of vessel, the life preservers must meet certain standards, ensuring they are appropriate for use and readily accessible when needed.

Other safety equipment, while important, may not be mandated for all vessels operating within that 100 nautical mile range or might not be required for each individual on board. Thus, life preservers are emphasized as essential safety gear to protect all occupants while navigating close to shore.