Michigan Required Equipment Checklist

indicates the equipment is required by state law.

Required Equipment	PWC	Boat Less than 16'	Boat 16' to Less than 26'
Boater Safety Certificate
Boater Safety Certificate: Applicable if operator is a minor.
Certificate of Number on Board
Validation Decals Displayed
PFDs: Type I, II, or III (one per person)
Those on PWCs must wear a PFD at all times. Inflatable PFDs are not allowed on PWCs. Those under the age of 6 years must wear a Type I or II personal flotation device when riding on the open deck of any vessel.
PFD: Type IV	n/a	n/a
Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher
Ignition Safety Switch		n/a	n/a
Backfire Flame Arrestor		Required on inboard and stern drives only.	Required on inboard and stern drives only.
Ventilation System
Muffler
Horn, Whistle, or Bell	Required only on the Great Lakes and waters connected to the Great Lakes.	Required only on the Great Lakes and waters connected to the Great Lakes.
Daytime Visual Distress Signals	n/a	n/a	Required only on the Great Lakes and waters connected to the Great Lakes.
Nighttime Visual Distress Signals	Some items are not applicable to PWCs since they are not allowed to operate between one hour before sunset and 8:00 a.m.	Required only on the Great Lakes and waters connected to the Great Lakes.	Required only on the Great Lakes and waters connected to the Great Lakes.
Navigation Lights	Some items are not applicable to PWCs since they are not allowed to operate between one hour before sunset and 8:00 a.m.
Unpowered vessels (sailboats under sail, rowboats, etc.) are required only to have on hand a flashlight or a lantern.