Hawaii Boating Safety Equipment Requirements

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs / Life Jackets)

1. General Requirement

All vessels in Hawaii — except Hawaiian design racing canoes, racing shells, rowing sculls, and racing kayaks — must carry at least one USCG-approved wearable personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board. PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition, properly sized for the intended wearer (based on body weight and chest size), and readily accessible — not locked in a compartment or buried under gear.

2. Children Under 13

Children under 13 must wear a properly fitting, USCG-approved life jacket at all times while underway or when the vessel is moored or anchored in a non-designated offshore mooring area. The only exception is when the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

3. Throwable Device (Type IV)

Vessels 16 feet or longer must carry at least one USCG-approved throwable Type IV device (such as a ring buoy or throwable cushion) in addition to the wearable PFDs. This device must be immediately available for use in a man-overboard situation.

4. PFD Rules for Thrill Craft and Towed Sports

Every person on a thrill craft (PWC/jet ski) must wear a USCG-approved PFD at all times — no exceptions. Every person being towed behind a vessel (water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding) must also wear a properly fitting PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for PWC operation or towed water sports due to the high-impact nature of these activities.

Fire Extinguishers

Motorized vessels with enclosed fuel compartments, enclosed living spaces, or permanently installed fuel tanks must carry at least one USCG-approved marine fire extinguisher. The number and size of required extinguishers depends on the vessel’s length. Extinguishers must be readily accessible, properly charged, and not expired.

Navigation Lights

All motorized vessels must display proper navigation lights between sunset and sunrise, as well as during periods of reduced visibility (fog, heavy rain). The specific light configuration depends on vessel size and type but generally includes red and green sidelights, a white stern light, and for larger vessels, a masthead light. Navigation lights must be visible for at least two miles on a clear night.

Sound-Producing Devices

All vessels must carry a sound-producing device capable of making an efficient sound signal. For vessels under 39.4 feet (12 meters), a whistle, horn, or other device that can produce a blast audible for at least half a mile is sufficient. Larger vessels have more specific requirements for bells and horns.

Visual Distress Signals

Vessels operating in coastal waters (more than two miles from shore) must carry USCG-approved visual distress signals. Between sunset and sunrise, vessels must carry night signals (such as flares). During daytime, an orange distress flag or other approved daytime signal is required. Vessels operating within two miles of shore during daylight hours are exempt from the visual distress signal requirement.

Ventilation and Backfire Flame Control

Vessels with enclosed gasoline engine compartments must have proper ventilation systems and backfire flame control devices (flame arrestors) on each carburetor. These prevent the buildup of explosive fuel vapors and reduce the risk of engine compartment fires.

Muffler Requirement

Any boat in Hawaii propelled by an internal combustion engine must have an efficient muffler, underwater exhaust, or other modern device that is in good working order and capable of adequately muffling engine exhaust. Operating without proper exhaust muffling is a citable violation.

EPIRB or VHF Radio for Offshore Vessels

Vessels operating more than one mile offshore in Hawaii must carry an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or a VHF marine radio. Given Hawaii’s ocean environment, this requirement is particularly important — help can be far away if you encounter trouble offshore.