On the water, there's always time for safety. Roll your eyes or not, you don't want to get caught or stopped without the proper gear needed to keep you, your passengers and boat safe while underway on the water.

According to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary—if stopped by local, state or federal authorities, the following items are required:

• Life Jackets (one for every soul onboard)
• Registration and numbering
• Navigation lights
• Ventilation
• Fire extinguishers
• Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.)
• Battery cover and connections

For more information pertaining to Vessel Safety Checks, check out the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary website on VSCs.

If you find yourself missing any the required gear follow the links below:

• Life Jackets (one for every soul onboard)
• Registration and numbering
• Navigation lights
• Ventilation (where appropriate, 16' Lund? I don't think so)
• Fire extinguishers
• Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.)
• Battery cover and connections