Safety features 2025: What you really need on board, mile by mile

Following the entry into force of the new Implementing Regulations of the Nautical Code (Ministerial Decree 17/09/2024, effective October 21, 2024) and the MIT circular 1078/2025, many boaters are wondering what equipment is mandatory for the upcoming season. This article provides a concise summary, broken down by navigation timeframe.

Within 3 miles

For a coastal trip, just a few items are needed.

• 100N life jackets (one per person).
• Lifebuoy and regulation rope
• Distress Signal Kit within 3 miles : 1 smoke buoy + 2 red hand flares.
• Regulation navigation lights ; if you only navigate during the day, a 360° white torch is sufficient.
• Sound signal : manual horn, gas horn or electric horn (> 100 dB).
• Bilge pump or waste disposal can.
• Fire extinguisher : only one, even with a powerful engine.
• Black anchor balloon (for units over 7 metres).
• Bilge pump or other emptying tool such as a bailer .
  

Within 6 miles

In addition to the amenities within 3 miles we add:

• Automatic light on every vest (mandatory from 21 October 2024).
• On-board clock
  
• Luminous buoy for lifebuoy
• Black anchor cone (for sailing boats)

Within 12 miles: Coastal raft and VHF arriving

From here the equipment begins to become serious, especially regarding collective safety.

• ISO 9650-2 coastal liferaft for all persons on board.
• 150 N vests (replaces 100 N).
  
• VHF DSC with license + operator certificate.
• Compass (magnetic or electronic) with deviation tables for vessels .
• Electronic or manual depth sounder 20 m (mandatory from 21/10/2025).
• Table of day/night visual signals (mandatory from 21/10/2025).
• Safety harness with safety line for sailing vessels (from 2025).

Within 50 miles: Dual control and on-board technology

This is where the sea gets serious: equip yourself to handle more serious emergencies.

• ISO 9650 “oceanic” life raft - ( Can be replaced with a coastal life raft if sailing within a "SAR" controlled area and if equipped with EPIRB geolocation devices or satellite telephone )
• Binoculars.
• Barometer.
• Updated nautical charts for the area you are sailing in
• Charting Tools
• First aid kit tab.D
• Radar reflector
• Two harnesses + lifelines (sailing unit).
• Fire extinguishers as per regulations

Without limits: complete ocean equipment

For the actual crossing, redundancy and tracking devices are needed.

• Unlimited distress signal kit from the coast : 3 rockets, 3 hand flares, 2 smoke bombs.
• EPIRB 406 MHz or SOS satellite phone.
  
• Two harnesses + lifelines (sailing unit).
• ISO 9650 “oceanic” life raft
• GPS

Audible Warning Devices: Rule 2025 in Brief

Up to 12 m, an approved trumpet or gas horn is sufficient. Above 12 m, a whistle and bell combination are required; the bell may be replaced by a certified portable device.

Hubmarine Pre-Departure Checklist

1. Check the expiry date of the emergency signal kit (4 years).
2. Book the liferaft inspection (36 months coastal, 24 months ocean).
3. Check the fire extinguisher pressure gauge and charge level.
4. Run VHF + EPIRB test.

Download Safety Equipment and New Regulations

• Download the "Mandatory Safety Equipment Table 2025" (PDF)

• Download the "Official Safety Equipment Decree 2024" (PDF)