Required Safety Equipment

Operating vessels without required equipment is prohibited. No person may operate or give permission for the operation of a vessel that is not provided with the required safety equipment.

Game Wardens and other peace officers certified as marine safety enforcement officers by TPWD may stop, board, and inspect any vessel to determine compliance and ensure the safety of boat owners and passengers.

Required Equipment Information

• Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Fit and Types
• Fire Extinguisher Requirements and Types

Required Equipment by Vessel Type

Powerboats

(Including electric motors)

• Personal Watercraft
• Less than 16 feet in length (Class A)
• 16 feet but less than 26 feet (Class 1)
• 26 feet but less than 40 feet (Class 2)
• 40 feet but less than 65 feet (Class 3)

Sailboats

(If any type of propulsion)

• Less than 16 feet in length (Class A)
• 16 feet but less than 26 feet (Class 1)
• 26 feet but less than 40 feet (Class 2)
• 40 feet but less than 65 feet (Class 3)

Manually Propelled

(Canoes, punts, rowboats, sailboats, rubber rafts, racing shells, rowing sculls, kayaks and other paddle craft)