Which piece of safety equipment is essential on every vessel?

Life jackets are essential on every vessel because they provide flotation and safety to individuals in case of an emergency, such as falling overboard or capsizing. The primary purpose of life jackets is to keep a person afloat in water, significantly increasing their chances of survival until help arrives.

Regulations dictate that all vessels must carry a sufficient number of life jackets for all passengers and crew, ensuring that they are readily accessible and suitable for the size and type of vessel. Unlike radar systems or navigation software, which are important for vessel operation and safety, life jackets are fundamental to personal safety and required regardless of the vessel's size or function. Communication devices are crucial for coordination and distress signaling, but they do not directly address the immediate safety of those on board in the way that life jackets do.