Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Tennessee Required Equipment Checklist

indicates the equipment is required by state law.

Required Equipment	PWC	Boat Less than 16 Feet	Boat 16 Feet or Longer
Certificate of Number (Registration Card) on Board
Validation Decal Displayed
PFDs: Type I, II, III, or V (one per person)
Each person on board a personal watercraft must wear a USCG-approved PFD (life jacket). Children 12 years of age and younger must wear a USCG-approved PFD at all times while on the open deck of a recreational vessel that is not anchored, moored, or aground. A USCG-approved PFD must be worn by each person on board vessels being operated within specifically marked areas below dams.
PFD: Type IV (one per vessel)	n/a	n/a
Type B Fire Extinguisher(s)
Two Type B-I fire extinguishers or one Type B-II fire extinguisher required for vessels 40 to 65 feet in length.
Ignition Safety Switch		n/a	n/a
Backfire Flame Arrestor		Required on inboard and stern drives only.	Required on inboard and stern drives only.
Ventilation System
Muffler
Horn, Whistle or Bell
Daytime Visual Distress Signals	n/a	n/a	Required only if operating on federally controlled waters.
Nighttime Visual Distress Signals	Not applicable to personal watercraft (PWCs) since these vessels may not be operated at night.	Required only if operating on federally controlled waters.	Required only if operating on federally controlled waters.
Navigation Lights	Not applicable to personal watercraft (PWCs) since these vessels may not be operated at night.