What essential safety equipment must all boats have on board?

A fire extinguisher is considered essential safety equipment that must be on board all boats due to the potential for fire hazards. In the event of a fire, having a fire extinguisher readily accessible can be critical in controlling or extinguishing a small fire before it becomes uncontrollable. This requirement is enforced to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members on the vessel.

While a first aid kit, communication device, and toolkit are also important for safety and preparedness, they are not mandated by law as essential equipment required on every boat. A first aid kit is useful for medical emergencies, a communication device is vital for distress signals and coordinating rescue efforts, and a toolkit may assist with minor repairs, but these do not address immediate fire hazards like a fire extinguisher does. Thus, the requirement for a fire extinguisher stems from its direct role in fire safety, making it a crucial item for any boat's safety equipment.