Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
New Hampshire Required Equipment Checklist

indicates the equipment is required by state law. "Ski Craft" is defined as a vessel less than 13 ft. in length that is capable of exceeding 20 mph and has capacity to carry no more than two persons).

Required Equipment	Ski Craft	Canoe, Kayak, or Rowboat	Vessel Less than 16'	Vessel 16' or Longer
Safe Boater Education Certificate on Board		n/a
Safe Boater Education Certificate: Applicable to vessels powered by more than 25 hp.
Certificate of Registration on Board		n/a
Validation Decals Displayed		n/a
PFDs: Type I, II, III, or V (one per person)
The operator of a "ski craft" must wear a PFD (life jacket) at all times. Children who are five years of age and younger must wear a life jacket at all times while on board a vessel unless the vessel is completely enclosed by railings at least 3 ft. high.
PFD: Type IV (one per vessel)	n/a	n/a	n/a
Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher		n/a
Ignition Safety Switch		n/a	n/a	n/a
Backfire Flame Arrestor		n/a	Required on inboard engines and inboard/outboard engines.	Required on inboard engines and inboard/outboard engines.
Ventilation System		n/a
Muffler		n/a
Horn, Whistle, or Bell		n/a
Daytime Visual Distress Signals	n/a	n/a	n/a	Required when boating on federally controlled waters.
Nighttime Visual Distress Signals	Certain items are not applicable to "ski craft" because they are not allowed to operate between sunset to sunrise.	n/a	Required when boating on federally controlled waters.	Required when boating on federally controlled waters.
Navigation Lights	Certain items are not applicable to "ski craft" because they are not allowed to operate between sunset to sunrise.	Requires only an all-round white light.