Hells Canyon offers one of the most challenging whitewater experiences in North America—it’s part of the fun! Bouncing over waves and navigating the breathtaking canyon is a thrill like no other, but boating safety is the real key to making sure you have an exciting trip that you’ll cherish forever. That’s why all of River Adventure’s Snake River jet boats are certified with the United States Coast Guard to meet all applicable safety requirements. Check out our quick overview of USCG requirements for jet boats to see how we can make your Hells Canyon experience the trip of a lifetime.

Registration and Documentation

Just like cars, boats need proper registration and documentation. In fact, you can see boats’ vessel registration numbers displayed toward the front of the craft. This is the Certificate of Number that proves a boat is properly registered in its state. All undocumented vessels that use some form of propulsion—such as an engine—need this registration.

The USCG also requires documentation for international vessels, trading vessels, and recreational boats that exceed five net tons. Our experienced captains always have the necessary registration and documentation on hand whenever our boats hit the water.

Key Safety Equipment

We pride ourselves on offering a safe and fun experience for all members of the family. To do that, we need to have key safety equipment available for all passengers. On our boats, you’ll find all the safety gear required by the USCG, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and distress signals.

Our vessels always have at least one USCG-approved life jacket for every passenger on board. You’ll also find at least one throwable floatation device.

A fire extinguisher is another key USCG requirement for jet boats. Per Coast Guard rules, we equip our boats with either two B-I fire extinguishers or one B-II fire extinguisher.

Finally, it’s important to be prepared for anything. While an accident is extremely unlikely, our jet boats carry the appropriate visual distress signals and sound producers to produce signals whenever necessary.

Other Boating Safety Requirements

When you step onto one of our jet boats, chances are, your focus will be on the sparkling white waters and rugged landscapes around you. With so much unforgettable scenery around you, it’s easy to miss all the impressive equipment sitting right beneath your feet.

Our jet boats are full of crucial systems and features that make every canyon adventure a safe one. These features help our vessels meet sanitation and pollution regulations, engine safety requirements, and more. These USCG safety requirements include:

  • Proper ventilation ducts for engines and fuel tanks
  • Backfire flame arrestor for gas-fueled engines
  • Oil pollution and garbage placards
  • CG-certified marine sanitation devices
  • Navigational lights
  • A copy of USDOT USCG navigational rules

These safety features help ensure that our boats are safe for both our passengers and the beautiful natural landscapes you venture through.

At River Adventures, we take safety seriously so you can focus on having an unforgettable experience with friends and family. Book your Hells Canyon tour today to experience serene natural beauty, whitewater thrills, and the rugged outdoor adventure of a lifetime.