• Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)
• Sound Producing Device
• Visual Distress Signal (between sunset and sunrise and periods of reduced visibility)
• Navigational Lights (between sunset and sunrise and periods of reduced visibility)

These items meet only the minimum requirements of the United States Coast Guard, and should not be the only equipment carried on board while operating a kayak in open water. Additional recommended items to consider are listed below. Your own list may include additional items that are specific to your activity and locale.

COMMUNICATION
NAVIGATION
SIGNALING DEVICES
VESSEL ACCESSORIES
PERSONAL
OTHER
COMMUNICATION

Having onboard communications is one of the most reliable forms of receiving assistance when out at sea. Anything from a mobile phone to a hand held radio will ensure you can communicate to someone in the event of an emergency.

Ensure that your communications device is either water proof or stored within a waterproof housing.

Another important point is to ensure you have easy access to any communications devices. For example, I always attached my VHF radio to my life vest. In the event of being thrown into the water, you do not need to search an upturned vessel or worry about loosing the device.

Real Life Experience, I was was once sailing my adventure Island in the middle of Moreton Bay when one of the aka’s came loose and I suffered a capsize. I was in the water before I could react in anyway. Luckily I was with a few other sailors and was able to radio them for assistance without any problems, but if the radio was left in the kayak, who knows where it would have ended up.