Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
South Dakota Required Equipment Checklist

indicates the equipment is required by state law.

Required Equipment	PWC	Boat Less than 16'	Boat 16' or Longer
Registration Card On Board		Required except for boats 12 feet or less in length without a motor of any kind.
Validation Decals Displayed		Required except for boats 12 feet or less in length without a motor of any kind.
PFDs: Type I, II, III, or V (one per person)
Every person on board a PWC must wear a PFD (life jacket) at all times. Children under seven years old must wear a PFD (life jacket) while on any vessel operating at greater than "slow – no wake speed" unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
PFD: Type IV (throwable)	n/a	n/a
Type B Fire Extinguisher(s)		Required for all vessels of a type and construction that would allow explosive or flammable gases or vapors to be trapped; highly recommended for others.	Required for all vessels of a type and construction that would allow explosive or flammable gases or vapors to be trapped; highly recommended for others.
Backfire Flame Arrestor		Required on gasoline-fueled inboard and stern drives only.	Required on gasoline-fueled inboard and stern drives only.
Ventilation System
Muffler
Horn, Whistle, or Bell	n/a	n/a
Navigation Lights