Answer :
Final answer:
Vessels under 39.4 feet in Federally Controlled Waters, including Personal Watercrafts, must be equipped with a Life Jacket and a Distress Signal as safety measures to protect passengers and crew members in emergency situations.
Explanation:
In Federally Controlled Waters, vessels under 39.4 feet, including Personal Watercraft, are required to have safety equipment to ensure the well-being of those aboard. The correct answer is that such vessels must have a Life Jacket / Distress Signal. A life jacket is an essential flotation device designed to keep the wearer afloat in the water, while distress signals are used to attract attention and indicate that help is needed, often crucial in emergency situations.
To elaborate further, a life jacket is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on a vessel. It can save lives by providing buoyancy, which helps prevent drowning. Distress signals, which can include flares or emergency beacons, alert others, including rescue services, to a vessel in distress. These requirements are in place to maximize the safety of passengers and crew in the event of an emergency on the water.