Boating season is right around the corner and some have already taken to the water here in Boundary County. The Boundary Count y Sheriff’s Office has added some legal requirements below, to show some of the laws that are required for each boat.
You can also go to the Idaho Parks and Recreation website and enter your type of boat to see what is legally required.
Also remember to register your boat before getting on the water. A portion of fees, from all registered boats within that county, come back to the local Waterways Board. This year The Boundary County Waterways Board has secured funds to replace the docks at the Deep Creek Boat Launch, which a big part of your registration fees will be helping with that project. Deep Creek Boat Launch will be closed April 8 to May 1.
For your motorboat less than 16-feet, here is the list of legally required equipment:
- 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.)
For your Motorboat 16-feet or longer here is the list of legally required equipment:
- 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.)
For your Personal Watercraft (PWC) here is the list of legally required equipment:
- 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.)