| 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. |
 |
 |