Essential Boat Gear: Kansas Requirements

If you're planning to take to the waters in Kansas, there are a few things you should know. Kansas has specific laws and regulations that you must follow to ensure your safety and compliance with the law. All boat operators in Kansas must be at least 12 years old, and those under 12 can only operate a motorized boat when accompanied and supervised by an adult. Additionally, anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, and under 21 years of age is required to complete a boating safety education course to operate a motorized boat or sailboat. This is evidenced by obtaining a Kansas Boater Education Card, commonly known as a boating license. It's also important to note that all boats in Kansas must carry a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or PFD for each passenger, and boats over 16 feet in length need a throwable device as well. So, before you cast off, make sure you're familiar with the local laws and have all the necessary equipment on board for a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

Kansas Boater Education Card

In the state of Kansas, any person born on or after January 1st, 1989, who is aged between 12 and 20, is required to obtain a Kansas Boater Education Card to operate any motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) without adult supervision. The Kansas Boater Education Card is proof that the holder has passed the Kansas Boating Safety Test.

To obtain the card, you must pass an approved boating education course, which can be taken online, in a classroom, or via home study. The course covers a range of topics, including operating laws and safety regulations specific to Kansas. It is designed to be convenient, with students able to study at their own pace and switch between devices. The final test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, and free unlimited retries are often offered.

After passing the test, you can print a temporary card immediately, and the permanent card will arrive within a few weeks. The card does not expire or need to be renewed, and it is accepted in 40 states.

It is important to note that children under the age of 12 are not allowed to operate a motorized boat without adult supervision, even if they have obtained the Boater Education Card. The adult supervisor must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Boater Education Card or be exempt from the requirement due to being 21 years of age or older.

Life jackets

Firstly, all boats in Kansas are mandated to carry a sufficient number of life jackets for each passenger on board. These life jackets must be Coast Guard-approved, also known as a Type I, II, or III Personal Flotation Device (PFD). This rule applies to all boats, regardless of their size or type, and ensures that every passenger can access a life jacket in the event of an emergency.

In addition to the above, boats in Kansas that are over 16 feet in length, excluding canoes and kayaks, must also carry a Type IV throwable device. This device is designed to be easily thrown to someone in the water and can provide additional support in emergency situations.

The state of Kansas also has specific regulations regarding life jacket usage for children. Any child aged 12 or under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when they are on board a boat or being towed by one. This includes all types of boats, from motorboats to paddle craft. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that the child's life jacket fits properly and is in good condition.

While adult boaters in Kansas are not required by law to wear life jackets at all times, it is strongly recommended for safety reasons. By wearing a life jacket, adults can set a good example for younger boaters and ensure that they are prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise while on the water.

It is important to note that these life jacket requirements are in place to enhance the safety of all boaters and paddlers in Kansas. By adhering to these regulations, boaters can help keep themselves and their passengers safe while enjoying the state's waterways. For further information on boating safety and regulations in Kansas, boaters can refer to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.

Boat accident reporting

In Kansas, boat accident reporting is required by law. If you are involved in a boating accident, you must notify the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism immediately. You can do this by contacting the Pratt Office at 620-672-5911 or by calling your local law authorities. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism can also provide information on when you are required to report a boating accident.

It is important to know your legal obligations and safety requirements when operating a boat in Kansas. All boaters between the ages of 12 and 20 years old must have a Kansas Boater Education Card, also known as a boating license, to operate any motorized watercraft, sailboat, or personal watercraft (PWC) without supervision. This card can be obtained by taking an approved Boating Safety Course, which can be completed online. The course covers a wide range of operating laws and safety practices to help keep Kansas' waters safe for everyone.

In addition to the legal requirements for operators, there are also safety requirements for the boat itself. All boats in Kansas are required to carry a Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) for each passenger on board the boat and/or being towed by the boat. Boats greater than 16 feet in length, except canoes and kayaks, must also carry a Type IV throwable device. Children 12 years of age and under are required to wear a Type I, II, or III life jacket at all times while on board a boat.

It is illegal to operate a boat in Kansas while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for boat operators is 0.08, and those found to be in violation may face fines of up to $500 and up to one year in prison.

By following the proper safety procedures and reporting accidents when they occur, boaters can help ensure the safety of everyone on Kansas' waterways.

Alcohol testing

While it is not illegal to have or consume alcohol on a boat in Kansas, it is illegal to operate a vessel on Kansas waters while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The same laws apply to water skiing, surfing, or tubing. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks states that anyone operating a boat has consented to an alcohol and/or drug test by KDWPT Law Enforcement Officers. Refusing to submit to a test will result in a three-month loss of boating privileges. A boating under the influence conviction may also result in fines and/or imprisonment and the loss of boating privileges.

A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher is considered legally intoxicated in Kansas, the same as driving a car. For those under 21 years of age, a BAC of .02% or higher is considered intoxication.

It is important to note that being under the influence of alcohol while boating can be extremely dangerous. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a driver with a BAC above .10 is ten times more likely to die in a boating accident than a sober driver. Alcohol is a contributing factor in about 27% of fatal boating crashes. The marine environment, with its motion, vibration, engine noise, sun exposure, wind, and spray, accelerates intoxication, causing a person to become intoxicated three times faster than on shore.

To ensure safety on the water, it is always recommended to designate a sober and experienced boat operator.

Boat safety inspections

Boat safety is a critical aspect of any boating trip, and inspections are necessary to ensure that all required safety equipment is on board and in proper working condition. In Kansas, the KDWPT Officers are responsible for patrolling the waters and conducting boat safety inspections, among other boating-related activities. Here is an overview of what to expect during a boat safety inspection in Kansas:

Required Safety Equipment:

• Life Jackets: In Kansas, all boats must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each passenger on board. Additionally, children aged 12 and under are required to wear a Type I, II, or III life jacket at all times while on board.
• Throwable Devices: Boats longer than 16 feet (except canoes and kayaks) must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable device.
• Boating Safety Course Certificate: All boaters between the ages of 12 and 20 operating a motorized boat or sailboat unaccompanied must have a valid Kansas Boater Education Card, commonly known as a "boating license." This card proves that they have completed an approved boating safety course.

Inspection Process:

• When a KDWPT Officer boards your boat for a safety inspection, they will likely ask to see your boat registration and safety equipment.
• They will check the condition and functionality of your safety equipment, including life jackets, throwable devices, and fire extinguishers.
• The officer may also inquire about your boating experience, ensure you are aware of local boating laws and regulations, and confirm that you are not operating the vessel under the influence of any substances.

Additional Safety Recommendations:

• While not mandatory, it is highly recommended that all boaters wear life jackets, regardless of age or swimming ability. This simple precaution can significantly increase safety on the water.
• Stay informed about local boating laws and regulations, such as speed limits, navigation rules, and restricted areas.
• Ensure your boat is properly maintained and all equipment is in good working order before each outing. This includes checking items like fuel, oil, propellers, and batteries.
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times while on the water, and always operate your boat in a safe and responsible manner.

In conclusion, boat safety inspections in Kansas are designed to ensure that boaters have the necessary safety equipment and knowledge to operate their vessels responsibly. By familiarizing yourself with the requirements and staying proactive about safety, you can help ensure a pleasant and secure boating experience for yourself and your passengers. Remember, safety on the water is a shared responsibility, and these inspections are in place to help keep everyone safe.

Frequently asked questions