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The Handbook of Delaware Boating Laws and Responsibilities Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife logo

It's the Law: Required Equipment Checklist for Delaware

Checkmark: required indicates the equipment is required by state law.

Required Equipment PWC Boat Less Than 16'
(Class A)
Boat 16' to Less Than 26'
(Class 1)
Boater Safety Education Card On Board Checkmark: required1 Checkmark: required2 Checkmark: required2
1) No one under the age of 14 years may operate a PWC under any conditions. A person 14 and 15 years of age who holds a boating safety certificate may operate a PWC only if under the direct supervision of his or her parent or legal guardian. Those 16 years of age and older, who hold a boating safety certificate may operate a PWC without age restrictions. 2) All operators born on or after January 1, 1978, must have successfully completed a boating course approved by the DNREC. The only exceptions are persons with a valid U.S. Coast Guard license, or a valid Delaware River Captain and Bay Pilot’s license or equivalent.
Registration Card On Board Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Validation Sticker Displayed Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
PFDs: Type I, II, or III Checkmark: required3 Checkmark: required4 Checkmark: required4
3) Those riding on or being towed by a PWC must wear a PFD at all times. 4) Children 12 years old and younger must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD at at all times while on any boat except when the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin or when the boat is at anchor or moored.
PFD: Type IV n/a n/a Checkmark: required
Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Ignition Safety Switch Checkmark: required n/a n/a
Flame Arrestor Checkmark: required Required on inboard and stern drives only. Required on inboard and stern drives only.
Ventilation System Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Horn, Whistle, or Bell Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Daytime Visual Distress System n/a n/a Required only if operating on federally controlled waters.
Nighttime Visual Distress System It is strongly recommended that PWCs are not operated after dark. However, if one is operated at night, it has the same requirements for visual distress signals and navigation lights as boats less than 16 feet in length. Required only if operating on federally controlled waters. Required only if operating on federally controlled waters.
Navigation Lights It is strongly recommended that PWCs are not operated after dark. However, if one is operated at night, it has the same requirements for visual distress signals and navigation lights as boats less than 16 feet in length. Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Separator
Delaware Division
of Fish & Wildlife
Overview
Boating Basics
It's the Law!
Required Equipment
It's the Law! (cont.)
Helpful Information

The Handbook of Delaware Boating Laws and Responsibilities
Printable PDF Version
of Handbook

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Online boating safety handbook last modified: June 16, 2008
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