It's the Law: Delaware Boating Regulations

Backfire Flame Arrestor

One approved device on each carburetor of all gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors.

Ventilation- Boats built before Aug. 1, 1980

At least two ventilator ducts filled with cowls or their equivalent for the purpose of properly and effectively ventilating the bilges of every closed engine and fuel tank compartment of boats constructed or decked over after April 25, 1940, using gasoline as fuel or other fuels having a flash point of 110° or less

Ventilation Boats built on or after Aug. 1, 1980

At least two ventilator ducts for the purpose of efficiently ventilating every closed compartment that contains a gasoline engine and every close compartment containing a gasoline tank, except those having permanently installed tanks which vent outside the boat and which contain no unprotected electrical devices. Also, engine compartments containing a gasoline engine having a cranking motor must contain power operated exhaust blowers which can be controlled from the instrument panel.

Personal Flotation Devices

One approved Type I, II, II, or V PFD for each person on board or being towed on water skies, ect.

One approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person on board or being towed on water skis, ect; and, in addition, one throwable type IV device.

Bell, Whistle

Every vessel less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) must carry an efficient sound producing device.

Every vessel 12 meters (39.4 feet) but less than 20 meters (65.5 feet) in length must carry a whistle and a bell. The bell must be audible 1/2 nautical mile. The mouth of the bell must be at least 200mm (7.87 inches) in diameter.

Visual Distress Signals Required on coastal waters only

Must carry approved visual distress signals for night time use.

Must carry visual distress signals approved for both daytime use and night time use. Note: all boats carrying six or more passengers for hire must meet these requirements.

Fire Extinguishers (Must say Coast Guard- Approved)

At least on B-1 type approved hard portable fire extinguisher. Not required on outboard motorboats less than 26 feet (7.9 meters) in length and not carrying passengers to hire if the construction of such motorboat will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors and if fuel tanks are not permanently installed.

At least two B-1 type approved portable fire extinguishers; OR at least one B-2 type approved portable fire extinguisher.

At least three B-1 type approved portable fire extinguishers; OR at least one B-1 type plus one B-2 type approved portable fire extinguisher.

NOTE: When a fixed fire extinguisher system is installed in the machinery space(s), it will replace one B-1 type portable extinguisher.