What is an essential item on every small watercraft?

Having a personal flotation device (PFD) for each passenger is a fundamental safety requirement for any small watercraft, making it essential. PFDs are designed to keep individuals afloat in the water, which is critical in preventing drowning incidents. In many jurisdictions, including Maine, regulations mandate that every person on board a vessel must have access to a properly fitted and approved PFD. This requirement underscores the importance of safety on the water and helps ensure that all individuals can be protected in case of an emergency, such as capsizing or falling overboard.

While other items like a compass, binoculars, and a toolkit can be useful for navigation, observation, or repairs, they do not carry the same immediate life-saving importance as personal flotation devices.