Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Contents

• Your Vessel's Registration
• Titling Your Vessel
• Boat Excise Tax
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Reckless Operation of a Vessel
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Obstructing Navigation
  • Homeland Security Restrictions
• Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)
• Fire Extinguishers
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Ventilation Systems
• Mufflers
• Navigation Lights
• Visual Distress Signals Required by Federal Law
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Other Equipment & Regulations
• Requirements Specific to PWCs
• Towing a Person Legally With a Vessel
• Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal in Indiana and Federal Waters
  • Stop the Spread of Nuisance Species
• Boating Accidents and Casualties—What the Law Requires You to Do
• Enforcement
• Indiana Required Equipment Checklist
• Chapter 4 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating

Stay up-to-date on new boating laws!

Be sure to stay abreast of new boating laws and requirements.

• For state boating law information, call the Law Enforcement Division, Indiana Department of Natural Resources at 317-232-4010.
• For federal boating laws, call the U. S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-368-5647.

Information in this manual does not replace what is specifically legal for boating in Indiana which is found in the State of Indiana Code and federal laws.