What is one of the basic safety equipment required on a vessel?

Life jackets are considered one of the essential pieces of safety equipment required on a vessel because they provide buoyancy and support in case of an emergency, such as a person falling overboard or an unexpected capsizing of the boat. They are designed to keep an individual afloat until help arrives or until they can swim to safety. Regulations typically dictate that personal flotation devices must be readily accessible to all passengers, ensuring their safety during excursions on the water.

Other options may also contribute to overall safety, such as compasses for navigation, fire starters for survival scenarios, or marine radios for communication in emergencies, but life jackets directly address the immediate need for personal safety in the water, which is a fundamental requirement for any boating activity.