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What you need to put that craft on the water
July 6, 2017
The Boundary County Sheriff's Office would like to take a few minutes to show everyone the legal requirements for being out on Idaho waterways.

Legally required equipment on motorboats less than 16-foot:
  • Certificate of Number (boat registration) on board.
  • Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board.
  • Current year validation stickers displayed on each side of the vessel (in front.)
  • Fire extinguisher (Coast Guard approved, Type B or Type ABC, and rated for marine use.)
  • Inboard motors need to have a backfire flame arrester (and blower.)
  • Sound producing device (horn or whistle.)

Motorboats 16-foot or longer:
  • Certificate of Number (boat registration) on board.
  • Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board.
  • Current year validation stickers displayed on each side of the vessel (in front.)
  • Fire extinguisher (Coast Guard approved, Type B or Type ABC, and rated for marine use.)
  • Inboard motors need to have a backfire flame arrester (and blower.)
  • Sound producing device (horn or whistle.)
  • A throwable cushion or ring is required on all boats 16' and longer (must be Coast Guard approved.)

Personal watercraft (PWC):
  • Certificate of Number (boat registration) on board.
  • Fire extinguisher (Coast Guard approved, Type B or Type ABC, and rated for marine use.)
  • Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board (all persons on a PWC must wear a life jacket.)
  • Current year validation stickers displayed on each side of the vessel (in front.)
  • Sound producing device (horn or whistle.)

Stand-up paddleboard, kayak, drift boat, canoe or raft, unless motorized:
  • Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board.
  • Idaho Invasive Species Sticker.
  • Sound producing device (horn or whistle.)


For additional information or questions visit the Frequently Asked Questions tab at www.boatidaho.gov or contact your local sheriff’s department and speak with a marine deputy.
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