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Official Indiana Boating Handbook Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Boating Checklist

Be sure to check

Is the motorboat properly registered, and are the proper numbers and decals displayed?
Be sure to check

Do you have the required number of personal flotation devices (PFDs), and are they in good condition?
Be sure to check

Is the total load, including passengers and gear, within the vessel’s capacity rating?
Be sure to check

Has an equipment check been done, including fuel and lights?
Be sure to check

Have plans been made to handle any emergency, such as weather, mechanical breakdown, or injuries, that may arise?
Be sure to check

Are you aware of local operating conditions, including navigational hazards, locks, dams, currents, rules of the road, etc.?

Indiana Required Equipment Checklist

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

Required Equipment PWC Boat Less than 16' Boat 16' to Less than 26'
Boating Safety Education Certificate on Board Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Boating Safety Education Certificate: Required for operators who do not have a vehicle driver’s license when operating motorboats or PWCs.
Certificate of Registration on Board Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Excise Tax Decals Displayed Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
PFDs: Type I, II, III or V (one per person) Those on PWCs must wear a PFD at all times. Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
PFD: Type IV n/a n/a Checkmark: required
Type IV PFD: Canoes and kayaks are excepted.
Ignition Safety Switch Checkmark: required n/a n/a
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.
Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher Required when boating on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction. Required when boating on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction. Required when boating on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction.
Backfire Flame Arrestor Checkmark: required Required on gasoline-powered inboards and stern drives only. Required on gasoline-powered inboards and stern drives only.
Ventilation System Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Muffler Checkmark: required Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
Horn, Whistle, or Bell Required when boating on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction. Required when boating on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction. Checkmark: required
Daytime Visual Distress Signals n/a n/a Required when boating on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction.
Nighttime Visual Distress Signals It is strongly recommended that PWCs be operated during daylight hours only. However, if operated at night, a PWC has the same requirements for visual distress signals and navigation lights as boats less than 16 ft. in length. Required when boating on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction. Required when boating on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction.
Navigation Lights It is strongly recommended that PWCs be operated during daylight hours only. However, if operated at night, a PWC has the same requirements for visual distress signals and navigation lights as boats less than 16 ft. in length. Checkmark: required Checkmark: required
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Online boating safety handbook last modified: May 9, 2008
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