Wisconsin Required Equipment Checklist

indicates the equipment is required by state law. Other equipment requirements may apply to vessels longer than 40 feet.

Required Equipment	Unpowered Boat	PWC	Boat Less than 16'	Boat 16' to Less than 26'
Boater Safety Course Certificate On Board	n/a
Required for some operators of motorized vessels and PWCs. See Who May Operate/Age Restrictions.
Certificate of Number On Board	n/a
Expiration Decals Displayed	n/a
PFDs: Type I, II, III or V
Those on PWCs must wear a PFD at all times. Those under the age of 13 years must wear a PFD when on federally controlled waters.
PFD: Type IV	n/a	n/a	n/a
Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher	n/a
Backfire Flame Arrestor	n/a		Required on inboard and stern drives only.	Required on inboard and stern drives only.
Ventilation System	n/a
Muffler	n/a
Horn, Whistle, or Bell	n/a	Required when operating on federally controlled waters.	Required when operating on federally controlled waters.	Required when operating on federally controlled waters.
Daytime Visual Distress Signals	n/a	n/a	n/a	Required when operating on federally controlled waters.
Nighttime Visual Distress Signals	n/a	Some items are not applicable to personal watercraft (PWCs) because PWCs are not allowed to operate between sunset and sunrise.	Required when operating on federally controlled waters.	Required when operating on federally controlled waters.
Navigation Lights		Some items are not applicable to personal watercraft (PWCs) because PWCs are not allowed to operate between sunset and sunrise.