What must a rental craft carry in Italy?
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 Decreto 29 luglio 2008, n. 146 (Regolamento di attuazione del Codice della nautica da diporto), art. 54 e Allegato V, come sostituito dal Decreto 17 settembre 2024, n. 133
Authority: Ministero delle infrastrutture e dei trasporti / Guardia Costiera
Allegato V covers recreational craft up to 24 m — natanti (up to 10 m) and imbarcazioni (over 10 m), CE-marked or not — at sea and on inland waters. Riders of sailboards, kites, jet skis and sailing dinghies must wear a buoyancy aid at any distance. Yachts over 24 m have their own annex.
Choose the distance from the coast you will actually sail: the kit follows it. Within 300 m of the shore the table lists nothing. Jet skis may not go beyond 1 nm.
Read the official text ↗ · 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 Ministero delle infrastrutture e dei trasporti / Guardia Costiera 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
Kayaks, canoes and paddle boards may go no more than 1 nm from the coast, and the local Capitaneria di porto sets their rules by ordinance. Whether Allegato V applies to them is not settled, so nothing is listed as law here — check the ordinance for where you paddle.
No statutory equipment for this craft in the waters checked.
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
Kayaks, canoes and paddle boards may go no more than 1 nm from the coast, and the local Capitaneria di porto sets their rules by ordinance. Whether Allegato V applies to them is not settled, so nothing is listed as law here — check the ordinance for where you paddle.
No statutory equipment for this craft in the waters checked.
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 1
- Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE)per person
Jet ski riders and passengers must wear a CE buoyancy aid of at least category 50 at all times. Jet skis may go no more than 1 nm from the coast, and the local Capitaneria di porto sets their use rules by ordinance. Whether the general table (within 1 nm: a bilge-emptying device) and the extinguisher rules of section E also apply to jet skis is not spelled out, so only the wearing duty is listed here — check the local ordinance.
DM 146/2008 art. 54 c. 3, All. V C.2; D.Lgs. 171/2005 art. 27 c. 5–6 · source
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
- Lifejacket, 100 N (CE)per personOnly: inland waters · ≤ 1 nm · ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm
Within 6 nm and on inland waters: a lifejacket of at least category 100 for everyone aboard (none listed within 300 m). It must always be worn when sailing alone at night.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (c), C.1 · source - Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwlineOnly: inland waters · ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 1 nm, and on inland waters: a ring lifebuoy with a line.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (e) · source - Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
CE-marked boats: the extinguishers in the owner’s manual (class B rated). No periodic inspection; check condition and the pressure gauge.
DM 146/2008 All. V E.1 · source - Bilge pump or bailerOnly: ≤ 1 nm · ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
At sea beyond 300 m: a pump or other bilge-emptying device.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A · source - Orange smoke signal× 2Only: ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Smoke buoys: 2 beyond 3 nm, 1 within 3 nm (none closer in).
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (f) · source - Red hand flares× 2Only: ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Red hand flares: 3 unlimited, 2 within 50, 12, 6 and 3 nm (none closer in). A SOLAS MED LED device may replace them.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (f), C.4 · source - Navigation lightsOnly: ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 1 nm: COLREG navigation lights. The table does not list them within 1 nm or on inland waters, but COLREG and inland rules still apply at night.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A · source - Self-igniting light on the lifebuoyOnly: ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 3 nm: a light buoy for the lifebuoy (SOLAS MED).
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (d) · source - Red parachute rockets× 2Only: ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Red parachute rockets: 3 unlimited, 2 within 50, 12 and 6 nm.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (f) · source - Liferaft, places for everyone aboardOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Within 12 nm: a coastal liferaft for everyone aboard. Alternatives: a CE inflatable dinghy (ISO 6185), ready to use, with a boarding device and the survival kit, able to carry everyone aboard; CE inflatables and RIBs of category A, B or C (ISO 6185-3/-4) are exempt if they carry the survival kit, and then need one extra extinguisher.
DM 146/2008 art. 54 c. 2–2-bis, All. V tab. A (b) · source - Lifejacket, 150 N (foam or inflatable)per personOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 6 nm: a lifejacket of at least category 150 for everyone aboard, CE (EN ISO 12402) or SOLAS MED, marked with the boat’s registration. Foam or inflatable. It must always be worn when sailing alone at night.
DM 146/2008 art. 53 c. 1-bis, All. V tab. A (c), C.1 · source - Personal strobe / vest lightper personOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 6 nm: an automatically activated SOLAS MED light on each lifejacket.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (d); DM 133/2024 art. 99 c. 2 · source - ClockOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 6 nm: a clock.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A · source - Collision regulations (COLREG) summaryOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 6 nm: a table of COLREG day and night visual signals.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A; DM 133/2024 art. 99 c. 2 · source - Fixed VHF with DSCOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 6 nm: a VHF set (fixed or handheld is not specified) conforming to D.Lgs. 128/2016 or DPR 239/2017.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (m) · source
Also required if…
Lines that join the list when your rental differs from the one above.
Not CE-marked1
- Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
Non-CE natanti (up to 10 m): one extinguisher, rated by installed engine power: 13B up to 18.4 kW, 21B up to 147 kW, 34B above.
DM 146/2008 All. V E.2 · 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 personOnly: inland waters · ≤ 1 nm · ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm
Within 6 nm and on inland waters: a lifejacket of at least category 100 for everyone aboard (none listed within 300 m). It must always be worn when sailing alone at night.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (c), C.1 · source - Lifebuoy or rescue sling + 15–25 m throwlineOnly: inland waters · ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 1 nm, and on inland waters: a ring lifebuoy with a line.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (e) · source - Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
CE-marked boats: the extinguishers in the owner’s manual (class B rated). No periodic inspection; check condition and the pressure gauge.
DM 146/2008 All. V E.1 · source - Day shapes (ball, cone)Only: ≤ 1 nm · ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Boats over 7 m, at sea beyond 300 m: a black anchor ball.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A · source - Bilge pump or bailerOnly: ≤ 1 nm · ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
At sea beyond 300 m: a pump or other bilge-emptying device.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A · source - Orange smoke signal× 2Only: ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Smoke buoys: 2 beyond 3 nm, 1 within 3 nm (none closer in).
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (f) · source - Red hand flares× 2Only: ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Red hand flares: 3 unlimited, 2 within 50, 12, 6 and 3 nm (none closer in). A SOLAS MED LED device may replace them.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (f), C.4 · source - Navigation lightsOnly: ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 1 nm: COLREG navigation lights. The table does not list them within 1 nm or on inland waters, but COLREG and inland rules still apply at night.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A · source - Self-igniting light on the lifebuoyOnly: ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 3 nm: a light buoy for the lifebuoy (SOLAS MED).
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (d) · source - Red parachute rockets× 2Only: ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Red parachute rockets: 3 unlimited, 2 within 50, 12 and 6 nm.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (f) · source - Liferaft, places for everyone aboardOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Within 12 nm: a coastal liferaft for everyone aboard. Alternatives: a CE inflatable dinghy (ISO 6185), ready to use, with a boarding device and the survival kit, able to carry everyone aboard; CE inflatables and RIBs of category A, B or C (ISO 6185-3/-4) are exempt if they carry the survival kit, and then need one extra extinguisher.
DM 146/2008 art. 54 c. 2–2-bis, All. V tab. A (b) · source - Lifejacket, 150 N (foam or inflatable)per personOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 6 nm: a lifejacket of at least category 150 for everyone aboard, CE (EN ISO 12402) or SOLAS MED, marked with the boat’s registration. Foam or inflatable. It must always be worn when sailing alone at night.
DM 146/2008 art. 53 c. 1-bis, All. V tab. A (c), C.1 · source - Personal strobe / vest lightper personOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 6 nm: an automatically activated SOLAS MED light on each lifejacket.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (d); DM 133/2024 art. 99 c. 2 · source - ClockOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 6 nm: a clock.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A · source - Collision regulations (COLREG) summaryOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 6 nm: a table of COLREG day and night visual signals.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A; DM 133/2024 art. 99 c. 2 · source - Fixed VHF with DSCOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Beyond 6 nm: a VHF set (fixed or handheld is not specified) conforming to D.Lgs. 128/2016 or DPR 239/2017.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (m) · source - Safety harness with tetherper personOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Sailing boats beyond 6 nm: deck safety harnesses with tethers, CE — 2 beyond 12 nm, 1 within 12 nm. They may be built into the lifejacket.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. B (l), C.9; DM 133/2024 art. 99 c. 2 · source
Also required if…
Lines that join the list when your rental differs from the one above.
Yacht of 12 m or longer3
- Whistle / fog horn (12 m+)Only: ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Boats over 12 m, beyond 1 nm: a whistle.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A · source - Bell (20 m+)Only: ≤ 3 nm · ≤ 6 nm · ≤ 12 nm
Boats over 12 m, beyond 1 nm: a bell, or a portable sound device instead.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A, C.8 · source - CompassOnly: ≤ 12 nm
Imbarcazioni (over 10 m) beyond 6 nm: an approved compass and deviation table. An electronic compass is allowed; update the table only after equipment or structural changes.
DM 146/2008 All. V tab. A (g), C.3, C.5 · source
Not CE-marked1
- Fire extinguisher, 2 kg
Non-CE natanti (up to 10 m): one extinguisher, rated by installed engine power: 13B up to 18.4 kW, 21B up to 147 kW, 34B above.
DM 146/2008 All. V E.2 · 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.
- Radar reflectorBusy shipping lanes — the Gulf of Finland, the Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar — are heavy and fast.
- Grab bagWhat you take into the raft. Assembled in advance or not at all.
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.
Italian rules: a nautical licence (patente nautica) is required beyond 6 NM from the coast on any boat. Within 6 NM it is needed if the engine exceeds 30 kW (40.8 hp) or certain engine-capacity limits, and always for jet skis. Official guidance on recognition of foreign licences for visitors was not found.
Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of Italy · Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of Italy · Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of ItalyIf a rental needs rescue
The maritime rescue centre for Italy’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 Italy
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 Italy?
Under the rules checked, none for the rental we assume (One paddler on a SUP board, no engine, by day). Some situations add lines — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental kayak / canoe carry in Italy?
Under the rules checked, none for the rental we assume (One paddler in a kayak or canoe, no engine, by day). Some situations add lines — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental jet ski / PWC carry in Italy?
Under Decreto 29 luglio 2008, n. 146 (Regolamento di attuazione del Codice della nautica da diporto), art. 54 e Allegato V, come sostituito dal Decreto 17 settembre 2024, n. 133, for the rental we assume (A jet ski with a rider and a passenger, by day. Jet skis count as faster than 20 knots): Buoyancy aid, 50 N (CE). Some lines apply only in certain waters, and paid or commercial use can add more — see the page.
What safety equipment must a rental motorboat carry in Italy?
Under Decreto 29 luglio 2008, n. 146 (Regolamento di attuazione del Codice della nautica da diporto), art. 54 e Allegato V, come sostituito dal Decreto 17 settembre 2024, n. 133, 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, Fire extinguisher, 2 kg, Bilge pump or bailer, Orange smoke signal, Red hand flares, Navigation lights, Self-igniting light on the lifebuoy, Red parachute rockets, Liferaft, places for everyone aboard, Lifejacket, 150 N (foam or inflatable), Personal strobe / vest light, Clock, Collision regulations (COLREG) summary, and Fixed VHF with DSC. 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 Italy?
Under Decreto 29 luglio 2008, n. 146 (Regolamento di attuazione del Codice della nautica da diporto), art. 54 e Allegato V, come sostituito dal Decreto 17 settembre 2024, n. 133, 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, Fire extinguisher, 2 kg, Day shapes (ball, cone), Bilge pump or bailer, Orange smoke signal, Red hand flares, Navigation lights, Self-igniting light on the lifebuoy, Red parachute rockets, Liferaft, places for everyone aboard, Lifejacket, 150 N (foam or inflatable), Personal strobe / vest light, Clock, Collision regulations (COLREG) summary, Fixed VHF with DSC, and Safety harness with tether. Some lines apply only in certain waters, and paid or commercial use can add more — see the page.
Do renters need a licence in Italy?
Italian rules: a nautical licence (patente nautica) is required beyond 6 NM from the coast on any boat. Within 6 NM it is needed if the engine exceeds 30 kW (40.8 hp) or certain engine-capacity limits, and always for jet skis. Official guidance on recognition of foreign licences for visitors was not found.
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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