It's the Law: Required Equipment for Your Vessel

Sound-Producing Devices

In periods of reduced visibility or whenever a vessel operator needs to signal his or her intentions or position, a soundproducing device is essential.

• Mississippi state law does not require that vessels carry a sound-producing device; however, it is always a good idea to have one on board.
• Federal law requires that vessels boating on federally controlled waters, such as Mississippi’s coastal waters, carry sound-producing devices.
  • Vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, which includes PWCs, are required to carry on board a whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound signal audible for at least one-half mile.
  • Vessels that are 65.6 feet (20 meters) or more in length are required to carry on board a whistle or horn, and a bell that are audible for at least one mile.