Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Texas 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 Education Certification Card and Photographic Identification
Boater Education Certification Card: Applicable if operator was born after August 31, 1984.
Certificate of Number on Board
Validation Decals Displayed
PFDs: Type I, II, III, or V (one per person)
Those on personal watercraft (PWCs) must wear a personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) at all times. Those under the age of 13 must wear a personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) while underway at all times.
PFD: Type IV (one per boat)	n/a	n/a
Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher
Ignition Safety Switch		n/a	n/a
Backfire Flame Arrestor
Backfire Flame Arrestor: Required on boats with inboard engines.
Ventilation System
Muffler
Horn, Whistle, or Bell
Daytime Visual Distress Signals	n/a	n/a	Required when boating on federally controlled waters.
Nighttime Visual Distress Signals	Certain items are not applicable to PWCs because they are not allowed to operate between sunset and sunrise.	Required when boating on federally controlled waters	Required when boating on federally controlled waters
Navigation Lights	Certain items are not applicable to PWCs because they are not allowed to operate between sunset and sunrise.