Children under 16 are required to have a Coast Guard approved, properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times while underway on recreational craft.
As of June 30, 2009 the answer is no, and there is no credible effort underway to make insurance for boating mandatory. Registration and compliance with all other Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency regulations are required.
children under 12, water skiers, PWC riders
If your passengers are not in danger
Approved visual distressed signals. ********************************* Navigation and warning lights displayed in their correct positions around the boat.
Ohio law requires boaters born on or after January 1, 1982, to successfully complete either a boating course or a proficiency exam in order to operate a boat powered by more than 10 horsepower. (Ohio Revised Code 1547.05-1547.052; effective 1/1/2000)The boating course must be approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators; and the proficiency exam must be approved by the ODNR Division of Watercraft.
In addition to registration numbers, display of a valid state registration decal is required while boating.
Make sure all aboard are wearing USCG-approved PFDs
Under way is a term meaning that the boat (or ship) is moving through the water. If a ship is moving, it would be correct to say that she has way on her.
children under the age of 13.
In most states, and coastal waters of the US, children must be wearing their life vests on powered vessels, (and some sailboats) at all times unless the gunwhales of the vessel are sufficiently high enough to prevent their falling overboard. This precludes most vessels under 28 feet long. {oared vessels differ in these regulations from state to state, but generally are not covered under boating regulations for sail or powered vessels}.
In most states, and coastal waters of the US, children must be wearing their life vests on powered vessels, (and some sailboats) at all times unless the gunwhales of the vessel are sufficiently high enough to prevent their falling overboard. This precludes most vessels under 28 feet long. {oared vessels differ in these regulations from state to state, but generally are not covered under boating regulations for sail or powered vessels}.
In order for a life jacket to be legal, it must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, meet specific safety requirements, be in good condition, and be the appropriate size for the intended wearer.