You guys are quite lucky in the states with radio stuff, even for VHF in Australia you need to pass and exam (both written, 60% pass markand practical, 100% pass mark) for VHF or HF operation. Mind you, its extermely rare to hear anyone breaking rules even on VHF here. Life jacket rules are getting so very insane world wide though, its so hard to know for sure what the local rules are whenever you go anywhere. Even in Aust its state dependant and has more "unless" clauses in it that its rediculous.

I think we've reached the "just a few more laws and we can all be criminals" destination. Just know, even more laws are still being created. Good luck living in peace.

Last time I checked Canada requires a lock on the discharge Y-Valve.  North Carolina is having a sever problem with  derilict vessels.

And there is no such thing as "right of way" in the COLREGS except for vessels down bound the Mississippi.   Between vessels, it's stand-on and giveway.  And "stand-on" does not mean "right of way," far from it.

Yes, the Coast Guard Auxiliary checks the Y -Valve during a safety inspection.  These are COURTESY inspections to let the boater know if they have the proper safety equipment.  The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary does not have law enforcement authority. And therefore cannot issue tickets.

I never ever had one of the black cones on my yacht. Lucky I packed up sailing years ago 😂👍👍

The ships radio license got me. I imagine my HAM license doesn't work internationally.

Whether sailing or driving, you stay out of the way of big things that can’t maneuver as well as you can. You don’t want a collision because even if you have the right of way, you still lose.

Under whose jurisdiction are these laws how far does their jurisdiction go and when did these government bodies assume the responsibility of international compliance?

DO NOT PICK A FIGHT WITH A CONTAINER SHIP IN YOUR CANOO

🌴🤔I’m in Florida I have two small skiffs that were purchased that have been titled as homemade how do I get a capacity plate to make them legal on the water ?  Can they just be bought or does it require and inspection from the coast guard that determines the capacity ?

The Y-valve, black cone, placards, VHF, Anchoring long term permit

25:(e) A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downwards. ‹‹ A vessel of less than 12 meters in length is not required to exhibit this shape, but may do so.››Vessel Under Oars
30:(e) A vessel of less than 7 meters in length, when at anchor not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in Rule 30(a) and (b).

Dat was de reden waarom ik nog op mijn 60e vaarbewijs 1en2 marifoon en internationaal haalde ( kost je 3 maanden) maar haalt toch iets op wat je eigenlijk al weet.
Is een hobby, bekeuringen wil je niet😢

The cone isn’t required on vessels under 12 meters.

Well, great to be sailing in NZ, dont need a licence or even register the yacht!
Regarding colregs, common sense is King!

To call mayday just to test the radio is INSANELY STUPID

Soon the only way to be on the sea will be with inflatable kayaks , and underwater headgear with DIY oxygen rebreathers and co2 ultrasound perfusion into ambient ocean water ......  Inspection time you'll be "camped" below, like Captain NEMO - hopefully without ending just like him.  But in the end it all comes down to FORCE.

what a horror!!!

The first and second items are matters of international law, but the third and subsequent ones are U.S. domestic law.
Since I sail in Japan, they are irrelevant to me.