Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Contents

• Your Vessel's Certificate of Number and Decal
• Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Vessel
• Registering and Titling Outboard Motors
• Hull Identification Number
• Buying and Selling a Vessel
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Unlawful 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 Missouri and Federal Waters
  • Aquatic Nuisance Species
• Boating Accidents and Casualties—What the Law Requires You to Do
• Enforcement
• Chapter 4 Summary
• Missouri Required Equipment Checklist
• 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 Missouri State Water Patrol at 573-751-3333.
• 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 Missouri, which is found in the State of Missouri laws and federal laws.