Wisconsin Boating Handbook Table of Contents

• Home Page
• Boater Education

It's The Law: Before Going Out

• Registering Your Vessel
• Other Facts About Titling and Registration
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate
• Enforcement

It's The Law: Required Equipment

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Fire Extinguishers
• Navigation Lights
• Boat Battery
• Ventilation Systems
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Mufflers and Noise Level Limits
• Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)

It's The Law: On The Water

• Unlawful Operation
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Obstructing Navigation
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Boating Accidents
• Diving Activities
• Discharge of Waste
• Discharge of Trash
• Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
• Aquatic Nuisance Species

It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

• Requirements Specific to PWCs

It's the Law: Specifically For Skiing

• Requirements for Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers

Boating Basics: Before Going Out

• Vessel Capacity
• Trailering Your Vessel Safely

Boating Basics: On the Water

• Navigation Rules
• Nighttime Navigation
• Non-Lateral Markers
• Boating Emergencies

Additional Information

• Required Equipment Checklist
• Wisconsin DNR Offices
• Sunrise and Sunset Table
• PDF Version of this Handbook (prints well)

What is a vessel? In this handbook, the term “vessel” means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water or ice.