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

indicates the equipment is required by state law.

Required Equipment	PWC	Boat Less Than 16' (Class A)	Boat 16' to Less Than 26' (Class 1)
Boating Safety Education Card On Board	1	2	2
1) No one under the age of 14 years may operate a PWC under any conditions. A person 14 and 15 years of age who holds a boating safety certificate may operate a PWC only if under the direct supervision of his or her parent or legal guardian. Those 16 years of age and older who hold a boating safety certificate may operate a PWC without any restrictions. 2) All operators born on or after January 1, 1978, must have successfully completed a boating course approved by the DNREC. The only exceptions are persons with a valid U.S. Coast Guard license, or a valid Delaware River Captain and Bay Pilot’s license or the equivalent.
Registration Card On Board
Validation Decals Displayed
PFDs: Type I, II, or III	3	4	4
3) Those riding on or being towed by a PWC must wear a PFD at all times. 4) Children 12 years old and younger must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD at at all times while on any boat except when the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin or when the boat is at anchor or moored.
PFD: Type IV	n/a	n/a
Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher
Ignition Safety Switch		n/a	n/a
Flame Arrestor		Required on inboard and stern drives only.	Required on inboard and stern drives only.
Ventilation System
Horn, Whistle, or Bell
Daytime Visual Distress System	n/a	n/a	Required only if operating on federally controlled waters.
Nighttime Visual Distress System	It is strongly recommended that PWCs are not operated after dark. However, if one is operated at night, it has the same requirements for visual distress signals and navigation lights as boats less than 16 feet in length.	Required only if operating on federally controlled waters.	Required only if operating on federally controlled waters.
Navigation Lights	It is strongly recommended that PWCs are not operated after dark. However, if one is operated at night, it has the same requirements for visual distress signals and navigation lights as boats less than 16 feet in length.