| Required Equipment |
PWC |
Boat Less than 16' |
Boat 16' or Longer |
| Boating Safety Certificate on Board |
 |
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| Boating Safety Certificate: Required for some operators. |
| Boat Registration on Board |
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| Validation Decal Displayed |
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| PFDs: Type I, II, III, or
V (one per person) |
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| Every person on board a PWC must wear a PFD (life jacket) at all times. Children under 12 years old must wear a PFD (life jacket) at all times. There are special requirements for persons on board a canoe or kayak. |
| PFD: Type IV |
n/a |
n/a |
|
| Type B Fire Extinguisher(s) |
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| Type B Fire Extinguisher(s): Exceptions exist for some vessels less than 26 feet in length operating on state waters. |
| Backfire Flame Arrestor |
|
Required on gasoline-fueled inboard and stern drives only. |
Required on gasoline-fueled inboard and stern drives only. |
| Ventilation
System |
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| Muffler |
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| Horn or Whistle |
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| Daytime Visual
Distress Signals |
n/a |
n/a |
|
| Nighttime Visual
Distress Signals |
Some items are not applicable to personal watercraft since these vessels may not be operated at night and may not tow skiers. |
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| Navigation Lights |
Some items are not applicable to personal watercraft since these vessels may not be operated at night and may not tow skiers. |
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| Anchor, Line, and Manual Bailer |
n/a |
Required for boats propelled by a motor of any kind. |
Required for boats propelled by a motor of any kind. |
| Paddle or Oar |
n/a |
Required for boats propelled by a motor of any kind. |
n/a |
| Boarding Ladder |
Some items are not applicable to personal watercraft since these vessels may not be operated at night and may not tow skiers. |
Ladder, steps, platform, or similar device is required if towing a person on skis or other device. |
Ladder, steps, platform, or similar device is required if towing a person on skis or other device. |
