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

indicates the equipment is required by state law.

Required Equipment	PWC	Boat Less than 16'	Boat 16' to Less Than 26'
Alabama Boat Operator License on Board
Certificate of Number on Board
Validation Decals Displayed
PFDs: Type I, II, III or V (one per person)
Those riding on personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket). Those under 8 years of age must wear a personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket), except when within an enclosed cabin.
PFD: Type IV	n/a	n/a
Ignition Safety Switch
PWCs must either be equipped with an ignition safety switch or have a self-circling feature. If equipped with an ignition safety switch, the lanyard must be attached to the person, clothing or PFD of the operator. Vessels less than 24 feet in length, with an open cockpit and powered by more than 50 horsepower, must be equipped with an ignition safety switch with the lanyard attached to the person, clothing or PFD of the operator.
Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher
Backfire Flame Arrestor		Required on inboard and stern drives only.	Required on inboard and stern drives only.
Ventilation System
Muffler
Horn, Whistle, or Bell	Required only when boating on federally controlled waters.	Required only when boating on federally controlled waters.
Daytime Visual Distress Signals	n/a	n/a	Required only when boating on federally controlled waters.
Nighttime Visual Distress Signals	It is strongly recommended that PWCs not be operated after dark. However, if one is operated at night, it has the same requirements for visual distress signals and navigation lights as powered vessels less than 16 feet in length.	Required only when boating on federally controlled waters.	Required only when boating on federally controlled waters.
Navigation Lights	It is strongly recommended that PWCs not be operated after dark. However, if one is operated at night, it has the same requirements for visual distress signals and navigation lights as powered vessels less than 16 feet in length.