Lifeboats must be equipped in accordance with Table 169.527. This equipment is described in § 169.529.
Table 169.527
| Letter identification and item | Exposed and partially protected waters | Protected waters |
|---|---|---|
| a - Bailer | 1 | None |
| b - Bilge pump | 1 | None |
| c - Boathooks | 2 | 1 |
| d - Bucket | 2 | 1 |
| e - Compass and mounting | 1 | None |
| f - Ditty bag | 1 | None |
| g - Drinking cup | 1 | None |
| h - Fire extinguisher (motor-propelled lifeboats only) | 2 | 2 |
| i - First-aid kit | 1 | None |
| j - Flashlight | 1 | None |
| k - Hatchet | 2 | 1 |
| l - Heaving line | 2 | None |
| m - Jackknife | 1 | None |
| n - Ladder, lifeboat, gunwale | 1 | None |
| o - Lantern | 1 | 1 |
| p - Lifeline | 1 | 1 |
| q - Life preservers | 2 | 2 |
| r - Locker | 1 | None |
| s - Mast and sail (oar-propelled lifeboats only) | 1 | None |
| t - Matches (boxes) | 2 | 1 |
| u - Mirror, signaling | 2 | None |
| v - Oars (units) | 1 | 1 |
| w - Oil, illuminating (quarts) | 1 | None |
| x - Oil, storm, (gallons) | 1 | None |
| y - Painter | 2 | 1 |
| z - Plug | 1 | 1 |
| aa - Provisions (per person) | 2 | None |
| bb - Rowlocks (units) | 1 | 1 |
| cc - Rudder and tiller | 1 | None |
| dd - Sea anchor | 1 | None |
| ee - Signals, distress, floating orange smoke | 2 | None |
| ff - Signals, distress, red hand flare (units) | 1 | None |
| gg - Signals, distress, red parachute flare (units) | 1 | None |
| hh - Tool kit (motor-propelled lifeboats only) | 1 | 1 |
| ii - Water (quarts per person) | 3 | None |
| jj - Whistle, signaling | 1 | None |
| kk - Fishing kit | 1 | None |
| ll - Cover, protecting | 1 | None |
| mm - Signals, lifesaving | 1 | None |