Required Boating Equipment

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Every vessel on Kansas waters, whether motorized or paddle‑powered, must carry specific safety equipment required by state and federal law. These items help prevent accidents, support emergency response, and ensure you’re prepared for changing conditions on the water.

Use the equipment list below to confirm your boat meets all Kansas requirements. Equipment needs vary by vessel type and size, so review the table carefully before launching.

For more guidance, you can also review boating regulations or learn how to use this equipment through an approved boating safety course.

Item	Personal water craft	Less than 16' with motor	16' or greater with motor	Less than 16' with sail only	16' or greater with sail only	Vessels with no motor or sail
Boating Education Certificate on Board Under age 12	Illegal to operate without supervision	Illegal to operate without supervision	Illegal to operate without supervision	Required	Required
Boating Education Certificate on Board Ages 12‐20	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Boating Education Certificate on Board Age 21 and older
Certificate of Number on Board and Registration Decals Displayed	Required	Required	Required Special exemptions: Documented vessels with the USCG must display only the registration decal	Required Special exemptions: Sailboards must display only the registration decal	Required Special exemptions: Sailboards must display only the registration decal
Life Jackets Worn at all times regardless of age	Required
Life Jackets Age 12 and under must be worn (Type I, II, or III)	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Life Jackets One for each person 13 and over on board, of the correct size and readily accessible	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Life Jackets Type IV throwable (seat cushion or ring) must be readily accessible			Required		Required
Sound Producing Device Whistle or horn	Required	Required	Required
Sound Producing Device Bell			Over 40'
Capacity Plate Vessels built after 1972, less than 20'	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Fire Extinguisher	Required	Only if boat has closed compartments or permanently installed fuel tanks, or has an inboard engine, double hull construction or closed living spaces	Required
Navigation Lights	Illegal to operate between sunset and sunrise	Required	Required	Required	Required	Flashlight or lantern
Ventilation System	Required	Required	Required
Muffler	Required	Required	Required
Backfire Flame Arrestor	Required	Inboard/Stern Drives	Inboard/Stern Drives