Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Louisiana Required Equipment Checklist

indicates the equipment is required by state law.

Required Equipment	PWCs	Boat Less than 16'	Boat 16' to Less Than 26'
Boater Education Certificate on Board
Certificate of Number on Board
Validation Decals Displayed
PFDs: Type I, II, or III (one per person)
Those on personal watercraft (PWCs) must wear an approved personal flotation device (life jacket) at all times. Children 12 years of age and younger must wear an approved life jacket while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long.
PFD: Type IV	n/a	n/a
Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher
Ignition Safety Switch		n/a	n/a
Backfire Flame Arrestor		Required on inboard and stern drives only.	Required on inboard and stern drives only.
Ventilation System
Muffler
Horn, Whistle, or Bell	n/a	n/a
Daytime Visual Distress Signals	n/a	n/a	Required only when boating on federally controlled waters.
Nighttime Visual Distress Signals	Certain items are not applicable to PWCs because PWCs are not allowed to operate between sunset and sunrise.	Required only when boating on federally controlled waters.	Required only when boating on federally controlled waters.
Navigation Lights	Certain items are not applicable to PWCs because PWCs are not allowed to operate between sunset and sunrise.