When it comes to boating, there are a few important things to keep in mind. One of those things is making sure that your boat has all the necessary stickers.
These stickers serve different purposes, from indicating safety features to following regulations and laws. Here’s a breakdown of what stickers need to be on a boat:
Safety Stickers
Safety should always come first when boating, and safety stickers play an important role in ensuring that everyone on board is aware of potential hazards. The following safety stickers are required by law:
- Capacity Plate: This sticker indicates the maximum weight capacity and/or maximum number of people allowed on board.
- Carbon Monoxide Warning: Boats with enclosed spaces or gasoline-powered engines must have this sticker displayed to warn passengers about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Fuel Shut-Off: This sticker indicates where the fuel shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency.
- Bilge Pump Warning: If your boat has an automatic bilge pump, you must display this warning sticker near the helm to inform passengers not to disable it.
Registration Stickers
In most states, boats must be registered with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Natural Resources (DNR). As part of the registration process, you’ll receive registration numbers and expiration decals that must be displayed on your boat.
- Hull Identification Number (HIN): This is a unique identification number given to every boat manufactured after 1972. It must be permanently affixed to the hull and visible from the outside of the boat.
- State Registration Numbers: These are assigned by the state and must be displayed on both sides of the bow, in a contrasting color to the hull, and in a specific font size and style.
- Expiration Decals: These indicate the year that your boat’s registration expires. They must be displayed on both sides of the bow, near the state registration numbers.
Other Stickers
While not required by law, there are other stickers that you may want to consider displaying on your boat:
- No Wake Zone: If you frequently boat in areas with no wake zones, you may want to display this sticker to remind passengers to slow down.
- Lake Association Stickers: If you’re a member of a lake association or boating club, you may want to display their sticker on your boat.
- Manufacturer’s Logo: Many boats come with manufacturer’s logos or decals. You can personalize your boat by adding additional logos or decals if desired.
In Conclusion
Ensuring that your boat has all the necessary stickers is not only required by law but also crucial for safety. Make sure to display all required safety and registration stickers prominently and consider adding other stickers that make sense for your boating activities. With these stickers in place, you can enjoy your time on the water with peace of mind knowing that you’re following regulations and keeping everyone safe.
