Equipment Checklist
Personal Watercraft PWC
Class A Less Than 16 feet (ft.)
Class 1 16 ft. to Less Than 26 ft.
Class 2 26 ft. to Less Than 40 ft.
Class 3 40 ft. to Less Than 65 ft.
Boating Safety Education ID Card (anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, operating 10 h.p. or more) |
Required; also, you must be at least 14 to operate a PWC. |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD): Type I, II, III, or V (one per person) |
Required; non-inflatable PFDs must be worn while operating, riding on, or being towed behind a PWC. |
Required; any person under 6 must wear a PFD while vessel is underway. |
Required; any person under 6 must wear a PFD while vessel is underway. |
Required |
Required |
Throwable Preserver: Type IV (ring or cushion) |
Not required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Type B-I Fire Extinguisher |
Required |
Required; except for an outboard motorboat less than 26 ft. in length if the boat is not • Carrying passengers for hire • Constructed so that it will permit entrapment of explosives or flammable gas for vapors • Equipped with permanently installed fuel tanks. |
Required; at least two Type B-I or one Type B-II |
Required; at least three Type B-I or one Type B-II plus one Type B-I |
Engine Cutoff Switch Lanyard (must be worn) |
Required, if equipped by the manufacturer |
Not required, but recommended |
Not required, but recommended |
Not required, but recommended |
Not required, but recommended |
Sound Producing Device (bell, horn, or whistle) |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Daytime Visual Distress Signals (coastal waters only) |
Not required |
Not required |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Nighttime Visual Distress Signals (coastal waters only) |
Not required (night operation prohibited) |
Required; must carry at least three visual distress signals approved for nighttime use if operated between sunset and sunrise. |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Navigation Lights (from sunset to sunrise or during poor visibility) |
Required; PWCs can ONLY be operated one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Required |