There are many federal & state regulations and guidelines set forth regarding speed boats on the water on lakes, oceans, rivers, canals, and more.  You should never drive a boat with passengers in it or alone if you are not aware of these.  This knowledge could save you from a hefty fine, jail time, or even prevent an accident from happening.

Age

No one should drive a speed boat or a personal watercraft, known as a jet ski 16 years of age or younger.  Motorboats that are less than 6hp can be maneuvered by children.  These age restrictions vary from state to state and this is not a federal mandated law unless you are far out in the ocean. 

Federal law will prohibit anyone from under the age of 16 operating a speed boat and the United States Coast Guard will enforce this age.

Identification and Registration Legal Requirements

Registration is a state law and you must have your boat registered with the state you reside in.  State registration requirements vary depending on the state you live in and you should check with your state.  If you move, you should reregister your boat as you would your personal automobile.

When you register a boat you will fill out an application and get a certificate of number and receive the number on the certificate.  Your boat registration number will be a combination of letters and numbers.  It should begin with an abbreviation of the state the boat is registered in.  The certificate number must be on the boat when the boat is in use. 

You will also be given a validation decal which will be placed next to the numbers on the port side of your boat.  You may live in a state that requires your validations to be on both sides of your boat.  This registration is an annual renewal in most states.  Be sure you don’t forget to renew your registration.

The display of your boat numbers should follow specific guidelines.  The numbers, letters and figures are read from left to right.  They should be displayed on the forward half of the side of the bow of your boat. 

The numbers are supposed to be in bold, block letters that are easy to recognize.  The size of the numbers must be larger than 3 inches high.  They must be contrasting with the background or hull of the boat so they do not blend in with the paint and are hard to read.  The numbers should be far above the waterline.  When you stick your numbers on your boat you also need to separate letters and numbers with hyphens or spaces.  Within six inches of the number you need to place the validation decal.

Also, these registration numbers are very important for identification to the coast guard or any regulatory agency on the waters.  You cannot place any other numbers on this side of the boat.

Hull Identification Number

Every boat built after 1972 has a hull identification number.  This is like a vehicle identification number.  These numbers are unique to every boat and required on the title when you register the boat.  This number is permanently attached to the boat on the starboard side above the waterline. 

After 1984, because of boat thefts the guidelines for the HIN to be on the boat required two locations for this number.  The second number will be unexposed and not visible.

Coast Guard Minimum Requirements for Equipment

The federal government has set forth guidelines and requirements you must follow when you own a speed boat and ride in on the waters.  There is a list of equipment you should have with you on the boat at all times. 

If you are pulled over by the Coast Guard and you do not have the equipment you could be fined or even required to abandon the boat and they will impound it.

The minimum equipment items that are required by the U.S. Coast Guard include these items:

• Personal Floatation Devices
• Bell or Whistle
• Visual Distress Signals
• Fire Extinguishers
• Ventilation
• Back fire flame arrestor