Final Answer:
U.S.-owned boats must carry visual distress signals when operating in coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and those waters connected directly to them up to a point where the waters are less than two miles wide.
Step-by-step explanation:
Visual distress signals (VDS) are essential safety equipment for boaters, especially in situations where communication may be compromised. In the United States, federal regulations mandate that U.S.-owned boats must carry visual distress signals when operating in specific areas. These areas include coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and waters directly connected to them up to a point where the waters are less than two miles wide. Visual distress signals can include devices like flares, flags, and lights, and they are crucial for signaling distress or the need for assistance in emergency situations, aiding in the safety of both boaters and rescue personnel.