What must a rental craft carry in Estonia?
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 Nõuded väikelaeva varustusele, määrus nr 70 (RT I, 07.11.2025, 12), in force 10.11.2025
Authority: Taristuminister / Transpordiamet
Applies to small craft (2.5–24 m) registered in Estonia. Jet skis, kayaks, canoes and other human-powered craft are not “small craft” under the Maritime Safety Act.
The Estonian list applies to boats registered in Estonia. A visiting boat follows its own flag state’s rules.
Read the official text ↗ · Rules checked 2 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 Taristuminister / Transpordiamet 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
Estonia’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
Estonia’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
Under the Estonian Maritime Safety Act a jet ski is not a “small craft”, so the small-craft equipment regulation doesn’t apply to it. Jet skis are covered by separate provisions — check with Transpordiamet before you go.
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 15
- Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE)per personOnly: Up to 5 nm
A 50 N buoyancy aid or a 100 N lifejacket for everyone aboard, sized to the person, CE-marked.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 1, § 4 · source - Bilge pump or bailer
Bilge pump or bailer.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 3 · source - Navigation lights
Lights under the collision regulations (or the inland navigation rules).
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 4 · source - Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m)
Rode at least three boat lengths and never under 15 m; it may double as a tow line.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 5, § 8 · source - Oars or paddle
Boats under 7 m overall.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 6 · source - Sound signal (horn or other)
Fog horn or other sound signal.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 7 · source - CompassMäärus nr 70 § 2(1) p 8 · source
- Waste container
Means of collecting waste.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 9 · source - Red hand flares× 2
Two red hand flares, in waterproof packaging, within the use-by date.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 10, § 5 · source - Lifejacket, 100 N (CE)per personOnly: Beyond 5 nm
Beyond 5 nm at sea (9 km inland) — and on any paid trip — a 100 N lifejacket per person, CE or SOLAS marked.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 1, § 9 · source - Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwlineOnly: Beyond 5 nm
Lifebuoy or rescue sling with a 15–25 m throwline.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 2 · source - Red parachute rockets× 2Only: Beyond 5 nm
Two red parachute rockets.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 3 · source - Chart + means of fixing positionOnly: Beyond 5 nm
Navigation equipment for fixing position, and a chart.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 4 · source - First aid kit for the areaOnly: Beyond 5 nm
The skipper assembles it for the area and its risks.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 5, § 7 · source - BinocularsOnly: Beyond 5 nm Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 6 · source
Also required if…
Lines that join the list when your rental differs from the one above.
Cooker or heater with a flame, gas, or fuel cans aboard2
- Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
Required with an inboard, an outboard over 25 kW, an open-flame heater, gas appliances or flammable liquids. At least 2 kg of extinguishing agent.
Määrus nr 70 § 6(1) · source - Fire blanket
Required with an open-flame heater, gas appliances or flammable liquids.
Määrus nr 70 § 6(4) · source
Outboard over 25 kW (34 hp)1
- Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
Required with an inboard, an outboard over 25 kW, an open-flame heater, gas appliances or flammable liquids. At least 2 kg of extinguishing agent.
Määrus nr 70 § 6(1) · source
Inboard or sterndrive engine1
- Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
Required with an inboard, an outboard over 25 kW, an open-flame heater, gas appliances or flammable liquids. At least 2 kg of extinguishing agent.
Määrus nr 70 § 6(1) · source
Paid or commercial use (in some countries this includes hire — see above)6
- Lifejacket, 100 N (CE)per personOnly: Up to 5 nm
Beyond 5 nm at sea (9 km inland) — and on any paid trip — a 100 N lifejacket per person, CE or SOLAS marked.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 1, § 9 · source - Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwlineOnly: Up to 5 nm
Lifebuoy or rescue sling with a 15–25 m throwline.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 2 · source - Red parachute rockets× 2Only: Up to 5 nm
Two red parachute rockets.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 3 · source - Chart + means of fixing positionOnly: Up to 5 nm
Navigation equipment for fixing position, and a chart.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 4 · source - First aid kit for the areaOnly: Up to 5 nm
The skipper assembles it for the area and its risks.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 5, § 7 · source - BinocularsOnly: Up to 5 nm Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 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.
- Fixed VHF with DSCDSC distress with position, monitored by everyone around you.
- PLB, 406 MHz, registeredFor when you’re beyond VHF range or the set has drowned.
- CO alarmPetrol engines and an enclosed cabin.
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 16
- Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE)per personOnly: Up to 5 nm
A 50 N buoyancy aid or a 100 N lifejacket for everyone aboard, sized to the person, CE-marked.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 1, § 4 · source - Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
Required with an inboard, an outboard over 25 kW, an open-flame heater, gas appliances or flammable liquids. At least 2 kg of extinguishing agent.
Määrus nr 70 § 6(1) · source - Fire blanket
Required with an open-flame heater, gas appliances or flammable liquids.
Määrus nr 70 § 6(4) · source - Bilge pump or bailer
Bilge pump or bailer.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 3 · source - Navigation lights
Lights under the collision regulations (or the inland navigation rules).
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 4 · source - Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m)
Rode at least three boat lengths and never under 15 m; it may double as a tow line.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 5, § 8 · source - Sound signal (horn or other)
Fog horn or other sound signal.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 7 · source - CompassMäärus nr 70 § 2(1) p 8 · source
- Waste container
Means of collecting waste.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 9 · source - Red hand flares× 2
Two red hand flares, in waterproof packaging, within the use-by date.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(1) p 10, § 5 · source - Lifejacket, 100 N (CE)per personOnly: Beyond 5 nm
Beyond 5 nm at sea (9 km inland) — and on any paid trip — a 100 N lifejacket per person, CE or SOLAS marked.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 1, § 9 · source - Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwlineOnly: Beyond 5 nm
Lifebuoy or rescue sling with a 15–25 m throwline.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 2 · source - Red parachute rockets× 2Only: Beyond 5 nm
Two red parachute rockets.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 3 · source - Chart + means of fixing positionOnly: Beyond 5 nm
Navigation equipment for fixing position, and a chart.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 4 · source - First aid kit for the areaOnly: Beyond 5 nm
The skipper assembles it for the area and its risks.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 5, § 7 · source - BinocularsOnly: Beyond 5 nm Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 6 · source
Also required if…
Lines that join the list when your rental differs from the one above.
Paid or commercial use (in some countries this includes hire — see above)6
- Lifejacket, 100 N (CE)per personOnly: Up to 5 nm
Beyond 5 nm at sea (9 km inland) — and on any paid trip — a 100 N lifejacket per person, CE or SOLAS marked.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 1, § 9 · source - Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwline× 2
Paid trips on boats over 7 m: two lifebuoys or rescue slings with throwlines.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 2, § 9(2) · source - Red parachute rockets× 2Only: Up to 5 nm
Two red parachute rockets.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 3 · source - Chart + means of fixing positionOnly: Up to 5 nm
Navigation equipment for fixing position, and a chart.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 4 · source - First aid kit for the areaOnly: Up to 5 nm
The skipper assembles it for the area and its risks.
Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 5, § 7 · source - BinocularsOnly: Up to 5 nm Määrus nr 70 § 2(2) p 6 · 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.
- Fixed VHF with DSCDSC distress at the press of a button, with your position attached.
- EPIRB, 406 MHz, registeredThe alert that doesn’t depend on anyone being within VHF range.
- Radar reflectorBusy shipping lanes — the Gulf of Finland, the Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar — are heavy and fast.
Good practice for this craft, from the Kit Finder. Kit Finder ↗
Licence, lifejacket and charter rules
For renters and skippers, from the authorities’ own texts. Checked 14 October 2026.
A foreign-flagged recreational craft in Estonian waters must hold the certificates its flag state requires. On Estonian boats, no skipper certificate is needed for craft with up to 25 m² of sail or 25 kW engine power, in daylight and good visibility, within 5 nautical miles of the coast.
Transpordiamet (Estonian Transport Administration) · Transpordiamet (Estonian Transport Administration), 'Abiks paadimehele 2026'Small craft and boats under 12 m must carry a correctly sized buoyancy aid (at least 50 N) or life jacket (at least 100 N) for every person on board; more than 5 nautical miles from shore at sea (9 km on inland waters) a life jacket of at least 100 N per person is required. Transpordiamet advises wearing a life jacket.
Transpordiamet (Estonian Transport Administration), 'Abiks paadimehele 2026' · Transpordiamet (Estonian Transport Administration), 'Abiks paadimehele 2026'If a rental needs rescue
The maritime rescue centre for Estonia’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 Estonia
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 Estonia?
Estonia’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 Estonia?
Estonia’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 Estonia?
Estonia’s equipment rules for recreational craft do not cover a jet ski / PWC, 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 motorboat carry in Estonia?
Under Nõuded väikelaeva varustusele, määrus nr 70 (RT I, 07.11.2025, 12), in force 10.11.2025, 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): Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE), Bilge pump or bailer, Navigation lights, Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m), Oars or paddle, Sound signal (horn or other), Compass, Waste container, Red hand flares, Lifejacket, 100 N (CE), Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwline, Red parachute rockets, Chart + means of fixing position, First aid kit for the area, and Binoculars. 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 Estonia?
Under Nõuded väikelaeva varustusele, määrus nr 70 (RT I, 07.11.2025, 12), in force 10.11.2025, 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): Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE), Fire extinguisher, 2 kg, Fire blanket, Bilge pump or bailer, Navigation lights, Anchor + rode (≥ 3 boat lengths, ≥ 15 m), Sound signal (horn or other), Compass, Waste container, Red hand flares, Lifejacket, 100 N (CE), Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwline, Red parachute rockets, Chart + means of fixing position, First aid kit for the area, and Binoculars. Some lines apply only in certain waters, and paid or commercial use can add more — see the page.
Do renters need a licence in Estonia?
A foreign-flagged recreational craft in Estonian waters must hold the certificates its flag state requires. On Estonian boats, no skipper certificate is needed for craft with up to 25 m² of sail or 25 kW engine power, in daylight and good visibility, within 5 nautical miles of the coast.
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
Join the pilot.
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