Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Contents

• Your Vessel's Certificate of Registration and Decal
• Other Facts About Registering and Titling Your Vessel
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Unlawful Operation of a Vessel
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Obstructing Navigation
  • Homeland Security Restrictions
• Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)
• Fire Extinguishers
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Proper Ventilation
• Mufflers
• Navigation Lights
• Visual Distress Signals
• Federally Controlled Waters
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Other Equipment & Local Regulations
  • Diver Down Flag
• Requirements Specific to PWC
• Towing a Person Legally With a Vessel
• Waste, Oil & Trash Disposal
• Vessel Accidents and Casualties
• Enforcement
• Required Equipment Checklist
• Boat, Motor and Lake Usage Regulations
• Chapter 4 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 4: Legal Requirements

Stay up to date on new boating laws!

Be sure to stay abreast of new boating laws and requirements.

• For state boating law information, call the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, Division of Law Enforcement at 1-800-858-1549.
• For federal boating laws, call the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-368-5647.

Information in this manual does not replace what is specifically legal for boating in Kentucky which is found in the Kentucky Statutes and federal laws.