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Individual Watercraft
INDIVIDUAL WATERCRAFT INFORMATION
The following are specific types of watercraft about which questions arise regarding equipment and operation requirements and prohibitions. Pursuant to K.S.A. 322203(a) the definition of a vessel is any watercraft designed to be propelled by machinery, oars, paddle, or wind action upon a sail. The U.S. Coast Guard’s definition of a vessel has not been adopted by the state, therefore equipment and operating requirements may differ from those on federally controlled waters and in other states. There are no federally controlled bodies of water in the state of Kansas.
Stand up paddleboards (SUP) are considered a vessel in the state of Kansas. Canoes and kayaks without a motor attached have the same requirements as stand up paddleboards.
PADDLEBOARDS AND NON-MOTORIZED CANOES AND KAYAKS
REQUIREMENTS:
• Must have a readily accessible PFD on board for each person • Children 12 and under must wear a PFD at all times on a SUP • Must carry a lantern or a flashlight if operating between sunset and sunrise
PROHIBITED OPERATIONS:
MOTORIZED CANOES, KAYAKS AND FLOAT TUBES
Any vessel, including canoes, kayaks and float tubes that have an attached motor must comply with the requirements for all motorized vessels.
INDIVIDUAL WATERCRAFT INFORMATION
SAILBOARDS
Sailboards are considered a vessel in the state of Kansas and need to be registered with KDWP, however they do have a few exemptions.
REQUIREMENTS:
PROHIBITED OPERATIONS:
KITE BOARDS
Kite boards are considered a vessel in the state of Kansas and must be registered with KDWP.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Must have a readily accessible PFD on board. • Children 12 and under must wear a PFD at all times on a kite board. • Must carry certificate of number and display only the registration decal on the top of the board. • Must carry a lantern or flashlight if operating between sunset and sunrise. • Must have an approved boating education certificate to operate a kite board under the age of 21.
PROHIBITED OPERATIONS:
INDIVIDUAL WATERCRAFT INFORMATION
AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE/ATV (ARGO)
Amphibious vehicles/ATVs are considered a motorized vessel when operating on the water and wheels/tracks are not touching the bottom.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Must have a readily accessible PFD for each person on board. • Children 12 and under must wear a PFD at all times. • Must carry certificate of number and display KA numbers and registration decal on the side of the front fender area. • Must have navigation lights if operating between sunset and sunrise. • Must have an approved boating education certificate to operate an amphibious vehicle/ATV on the water without being under direct and audible supervision (see boating education requirements). The minimum age to operate a motorized vessel without direct and audible supervision is 12 years of age if the boating education requirement is met.
PROHIBITED OPERATIONS:
