What must a rental craft carry in Lithuania?
The required safety equipment for a rental SUP, kayak, jet ski, motorboat and sailboat — every line with the section of the act and a link to it. Then what to tell customers at check-out.
Law Vidaus vandenų transporto priemonių aprūpinimo įranga pagal plaukiojimo rajoną reikalavimų aprašas (LTSA 2023-01-13 įsakymas Nr. 2BE-10)
Authority: Lietuvos transporto saugos administracija (LTSA)
Covers every recreational craft (pramoginis laivas) in all three navigation areas, whether or not it is inspected. Not covered: jet skis, craft built only for sport, and — not confirmed either way — kayaks, canoes and SUPs. Sailing yachts must also carry what the inspection body sets for their sailing category.
At technical inspection, recreational craft of 2.5–24 m are given the coastal area only if their design category is A, B or C, and the marine area (beyond the territorial sea) only if it is A or B.
Read the official text ↗ · Rules checked 15 October 2026
What our research found about rentals and commercial use:
- Craft used commercially must be registered even when small (man-powered craft, outboards up to 19 kW and sailing yachts under 6 m are otherwise exempt), and only non-commercial inland craft are exempt from technical inspection. Vidaus vandenų transporto kodeksas, 16 str. 6 d., 16-1 str. 2 d. · source · Rules checked 15 October 2026
General guidance: the lists below are the equipment rules for recreational craft. Hiring craft out is a business, and some countries add rules for rental or commercial craft, or ask for a permit. Before the season, check with Lietuvos transporto saugos administracija (LTSA) or the local harbour master which rules apply to your fleet.
SUP board rental
Worked out for One paddler on a SUP board, no engine, by day.
Required 0
Lithuania’s equipment rules cover boats. A SUP board isn’t one, so no statutory carriage list applies — local bylaws, beach rules or wearing duties still may.
Tell the customer at check-out
GENERAL GUIDANCE- Fit the buoyancy aid and say whether wearing it is required here (see “Licence, lifejacket and charter rules”).
- Show the leash: coiled ankle leash on flat water, quick-release waist leash on rivers and in current.
- Point out the area they may use, the swimming zones and the boat traffic, on a map.
- Offshore wind: kneel or lie on the board, paddle across the wind towards the nearest shore — not back to base.
- Agree the return time and how you will contact them.
- How to call for help: phone in a waterproof pouch, the rescue number below, stay with the board.
Not a legal requirement — a starting point for your own briefing. Your insurer or local rules may ask for more.
Make a printable briefing card for your dock →Recommended — not required
- Quick-release waist leashMoving water demands a quick-release waist leash — an ankle leash in current is a hazard, not a safety device.
- Coiled ankle leashFlatwater. Your board is your biggest flotation device; stay attached to it.
- Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE)A belt-pack inflatable is unobtrusive enough that people actually wear it.
- Floating waterproof phone pouchFloating, on you, not strapped to the board.
- Drysuit or thick wetsuitCold shock off a paddleboard is the classic early-season incident.
- Whistle on the vestCosts nothing, carries far.
Good practice for this craft, from the Kit Finder. Kit Finder ↗
Kayak / canoe rental
Worked out for One paddler in a kayak or canoe, no engine, by day.
Required 0
Lithuania’s equipment rules cover boats. A kayak / canoe isn’t one, so no statutory carriage list applies — local bylaws, beach rules or wearing duties still may.
Tell the customer at check-out
GENERAL GUIDANCE- Fit the buoyancy aid; check the spraydeck release loop is outside and they can pull it.
- Capsize: stay with the kayak, hold on, swim it to shore or wait for help; show the paddle float if you supply one.
- Point out the area, the weirs, current or shipping lanes, and where they may land.
- Groups stay together; the strongest paddler last.
- Agree the return time and how you will contact them.
- How to call for help: phone in a waterproof pouch, the rescue number below.
Not a legal requirement — a starting point for your own briefing. Your insurer or local rules may ask for more.
Make a printable briefing card for your dock →Recommended — not required
- Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE)Worn the whole time. A buoyancy aid in the day hatch has saved nobody.
- Paddle float + hand pumpWith a hand pump, this is the actual self-rescue kit — practise before you need it.
- SpraydeckA swamped cockpit ends the trip.
- Buoyancy bagsKeeps the boat recoverable after a capsize.
- Handheld VHF, floatingSea kayaking: waterproof handheld, on your person.
- Personal strobe / vest lightYou sit very low. Being seen is the whole problem.
Good practice for this craft, from the Kit Finder. Kit Finder ↗
Jet ski / PWC rental
Worked out for A jet ski with a rider and a passenger, by day. Jet skis count as faster than 20 knots.
Required 0
Jet skis (asmeninis laivas) are a separate category with no carriage list in the act. A jet ski presented for technical inspection is checked for a kill cord.
No statutory equipment for this craft in the waters checked.
Tell the customer at check-out
GENERAL GUIDANCE- Kill cord on the wrist or the vest, every time the engine runs.
- Lifejackets on the rider and the passenger, fastened — check the wearing rule below.
- Show the area, the no-go zones, swimmers and the speed limits near the shore and in harbours (local rules).
- Licence and age: check the renter is allowed to drive it here (see below) before handing over the key.
- Capsize: how to right it (sticker on the hull) and climb back on from the stern.
- Fuel, return time, and how to call for help.
Not a legal requirement — a starting point for your own briefing. Your insurer or local rules may ask for more.
Make a printable briefing card for your dock →Recommended — not required
- Impact / buoyancy vestImpact protection as well as buoyancy — you hit the water hard.
- Kill cord / wireless kill switchWrist lanyard, every single time.
- Floating waterproof phone pouchOn you, not in the hull.
- Whistle on the vestEngine off, voice gone — a whistle carries.
- Drysuit or thick wetsuitImmersion is a matter of when, not if.
Good practice for this craft, from the Kit Finder. Kit Finder ↗
Motorboat rental
Worked out for An open motorboat, 5 m, outboard up to 25 kW (34 hp), CE-marked, up to four adults, by day, no cooker aboard.
Required 12
- Lifejacket, 100 N (CE)per person
A lifejacket meeting ISO 12402-4 (100 N) for every person aboard. The act requires carrying them; it sets no duty to wear them.
Aprašas p. 3.1 · source - Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwline
A lifebuoy marked with the craft’s registration number, with a 30 m floating rescue line. Inflatable boats carry a 30 m floating line with a loop instead of the ring. The rule assumes a registration number; how it applies to unregistered small boats is not settled.
Aprašas p. 3.2 · source - Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m)
An anchor.
Aprašas p. 3.3 · source - Bilge pump or bailer
A bailer or hand water pump.
Aprašas p. 3.4 · source - Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
At least one powder extinguisher with a valid inspection; under 6 m any fill weight.
Aprašas p. 3.5, 3.5.1; Pastabos 1 · source - Self-igniting light on the lifebuoyOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea, in addition to the base list: a lifebuoy marked with the registration number, with a signal float on a 1.5 m floating line carrying a battery-powered self-igniting light that water cannot put out.
Aprašas p. 4.1, 5.1 · source - Sea anchor (drogue)Only: ≤ 12 nm
At sea: a sea anchor (drogue).
Aprašas p. 4.2, 5.2 · source - CompassOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea: a magnetic compass.
Aprašas p. 4.5, 5.3 · source - GPS receiverOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea: navigation instruments — binoculars and GPS.
Aprašas p. 4.6, 5.4 · source - BinocularsOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea: navigation instruments — binoculars and GPS.
Aprašas p. 4.6, 5.4 · source - Fixed VHF with DSCOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea: a working VHF radio for channels 9 and 16 with a valid ship-station licence; a portable radio registered with the regulator (RRT) is accepted instead.
Aprašas p. 4.7, 5.5 · source - Red hand flares× 3Only: ≤ 12 nm
At sea: at least three red signal rockets or three red hand flares, in date.
Aprašas p. 4.8, 5.6 · source
Tell the customer at check-out
GENERAL GUIDANCE- Kill cord on the driver, every time the engine runs.
- Where the lifejackets are, how to put them on — children’s sizes by weight.
- Engine start and stop, fuel, the anchor, and how to come alongside.
- Show the area, the shallows, channels and no-go zones on a chart; propeller near swimmers.
- Weather limits and the return time; lights if they could be out after sunset.
- How to call for help: VHF channel 16 if fitted, the rescue number below.
Not a legal requirement — a starting point for your own briefing. Your insurer or local rules may ask for more.
Make a printable briefing card for your dock →Recommended — not required
- Kill cord / wireless kill switchA planing boat that loses its driver circles back over them. The single highest-value item on a motorboat.
- Lifejacket, 150 N auto-inflateAuto-inflate, so it works whether or not you were conscious when you hit the water.
- Boarding ladder reachable from the waterGetting back aboard alone, from the water, over a high topside — plan for it before you need it.
- PLB, 406 MHz, registeredFor when you’re beyond VHF range or the set has drowned.
- CO alarmPetrol engines and an enclosed cabin.
- Electronic distress light (SOS)Electronic SOS light — no expiry and usable every night of its life.
Good practice for this craft, from the Kit Finder. Kit Finder ↗
Sailboat rental
Worked out for A sailing yacht, 9 m, with a cabin, an inboard engine and a gas cooker, CE-marked, up to six adults, by day.
Required 17
- Lifejacket, 100 N (CE)per person
A lifejacket meeting ISO 12402-4 (100 N) for every person aboard. The act requires carrying them; it sets no duty to wear them.
Aprašas p. 3.1 · source - Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwline
A lifebuoy marked with the craft’s registration number, with a 30 m floating rescue line. Inflatable boats carry a 30 m floating line with a loop instead of the ring. The rule assumes a registration number; how it applies to unregistered small boats is not settled.
Aprašas p. 3.2 · source - Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m)
An anchor.
Aprašas p. 3.3 · source - Bilge pump or bailer
A bailer or hand water pump.
Aprašas p. 3.4 · source - Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
From 6 m: at least one powder extinguisher of at least 2 kg, with a valid inspection.
Aprašas p. 3.5.2; Pastabos 1 · source - Fire blanket
From 6 m: a non-combustible fire cloth (fire blanket) with the extinguisher.
Aprašas p. 3.5.2, 3.5.3 · source - Self-igniting light on the lifebuoyOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea, in addition to the base list: a lifebuoy marked with the registration number, with a signal float on a 1.5 m floating line carrying a battery-powered self-igniting light that water cannot put out.
Aprašas p. 4.1, 5.1 · source - Sea anchor (drogue)Only: ≤ 12 nm
At sea: a sea anchor (drogue).
Aprašas p. 4.2, 5.2 · source - CompassOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea: a magnetic compass.
Aprašas p. 4.5, 5.3 · source - GPS receiverOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea: navigation instruments — binoculars and GPS.
Aprašas p. 4.6, 5.4 · source - BinocularsOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea: navigation instruments — binoculars and GPS.
Aprašas p. 4.6, 5.4 · source - Chart + means of fixing positionOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea, from 6 m: corrected charts, nautical guides or pilot books for the navigation area.
Aprašas p. 4.3 · source - Chart plotting toolsOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea, from 6 m: tools for plotting on the chart.
Aprašas p. 4.6 · source - Liferaft, places for everyone aboardOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea, from 6 m: automatically inflating liferafts with a valid inspection, for the maximum number of persons allowed aboard, inspected by a firm on the LTSA list of approved service stations.
Aprašas p. 4.4; Pastabos 2 · source - Fixed VHF with DSCOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea: a working VHF radio for channels 9 and 16 with a valid ship-station licence; a portable radio registered with the regulator (RRT) is accepted instead.
Aprašas p. 4.7, 5.5 · source - Red hand flares× 3Only: ≤ 12 nm
At sea: at least three red signal rockets or three red hand flares, in date.
Aprašas p. 4.8, 5.6 · source - Radar reflectorOnly: ≤ 12 nm
At sea, from 6 m — only if the hull is plastic or glass fibre: a radar reflector.
Aprašas p. 4.9 · source
Also required if…
Lines that join the list when your rental differs from the one above.
Yacht of 12 m or longer1
- Fire extinguisher, 6 kg
Over 12 m: at least one powder extinguisher of at least 6 kg, with a valid inspection.
Aprašas p. 3.5.3; Pastabos 1 · source
Tell the customer at check-out
GENERAL GUIDANCE- Lifejackets and harnesses: where they are, when to wear them, how to clip on.
- Man overboard: who throws the lifebuoy, who points, how to come back under engine.
- Gas cooker: valve shut after use, ventilation; the fire extinguisher and blanket.
- Reefing, the engine, the bilge pump and the anchor.
- Weather limits, the area and the charts; return time and check-in.
- VHF: channel 16, the DSC distress button, and the rescue number below.
Not a legal requirement — a starting point for your own briefing. Your insurer or local rules may ask for more.
Make a printable briefing card for your dock →Recommended — not required
- Lifejacket, 150 N auto-inflateOffshore, a 150 N auto jacket with sprayhood, light, harness point and crotch strap — a 100 N jacket won’t turn an unconscious person in a seaway.
- Jackstays + tethersClipping on is what stops a man-overboard from happening at all.
- AIS-MOB beacon, on the lifejacketOne per crew, on the jacket. It puts a mark on your own plotter — a flare only helps if someone is already looking.
- EPIRB, 406 MHz, registeredThe alert that doesn’t depend on anyone being within VHF range.
- Grab bagWhat you take into the raft. Assembled in advance or not at all.
- Softwood plugs / leak kitA failed skin fitting sinks a boat in minutes.
Good practice for this craft, from the Kit Finder. Kit Finder ↗
Licence, lifejacket and charter rules
We have no verified licence or wearing rule for Lithuania yet.
If a rental needs rescue
The maritime rescue centre for Lithuania’s waters — put it on your briefing card and in your staff phones.
Where Fleet helps
Fleet doesn’t replace a single item above. It helps your staff keep an eye on every rental once it is out — we are building it with pilot operators for the 2027 season.
Printable checklist for Lithuania
A sheet per craft for the waters you rent in: the required kit with the section of the act, what to tell the customer, and a sign-off line for your staff. Print it or save it as a PDF.
Questions operators ask
What safety equipment must a rental SUP board carry in Lithuania?
Lithuania’s equipment rules for recreational craft do not cover a SUP board, so no statutory carriage list applies to it. Wearing duties, beach rules or local bylaws may still apply — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental kayak / canoe carry in Lithuania?
Lithuania’s equipment rules for recreational craft do not cover a kayak / canoe, so no statutory carriage list applies to it. Wearing duties, beach rules or local bylaws may still apply — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental jet ski / PWC carry in Lithuania?
Under the rules checked, none for the rental we assume (A jet ski with a rider and a passenger, by day. Jet skis count as faster than 20 knots). Some situations add lines — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental motorboat carry in Lithuania?
Under Vidaus vandenų transporto priemonių aprūpinimo įranga pagal plaukiojimo rajoną reikalavimų aprašas (LTSA 2023-01-13 įsakymas Nr. 2BE-10), for the rental we assume (An open motorboat, 5 m, outboard up to 25 kW (34 hp), CE-marked, up to four adults, by day, no cooker aboard): Lifejacket, 100 N (CE), Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwline, Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m), Bilge pump or bailer, Fire extinguisher, 2 kg, Self-igniting light on the lifebuoy, Sea anchor (drogue), Compass, GPS receiver, Binoculars, Fixed VHF with DSC, and Red hand flares. Some lines apply only in certain waters, and paid or commercial use can add more — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental sailboat carry in Lithuania?
Under Vidaus vandenų transporto priemonių aprūpinimo įranga pagal plaukiojimo rajoną reikalavimų aprašas (LTSA 2023-01-13 įsakymas Nr. 2BE-10), for the rental we assume (A sailing yacht, 9 m, with a cabin, an inboard engine and a gas cooker, CE-marked, up to six adults, by day): Lifejacket, 100 N (CE), Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwline, Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m), Bilge pump or bailer, Fire extinguisher, 2 kg, Fire blanket, Self-igniting light on the lifebuoy, Sea anchor (drogue), Compass, GPS receiver, Binoculars, Chart + means of fixing position, Chart plotting tools, Liferaft, places for everyone aboard, Fixed VHF with DSC, Red hand flares, and Radar reflector. Some lines apply only in certain waters, and paid or commercial use can add more — see the page.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a summary of the official texts, with a link to each one, to help you prepare. The operator and the skipper stay responsible for the equipment; when in doubt, the cited act and the national authority win.
A summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. The operator and the skipper stay responsible for the equipment and its condition. Rules change — when in doubt, the cited act wins, and local bylaws, permits or your insurer may ask for more.
Other countries
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