What accessories are required for my Sea‑Doo personal watercraft?

There are two items required to have on every motorized watercraft to be considered legal on the water. The hope is they never need to be used, but if an emergency arises, you’ll be quite happy to have them on board and easily accessible.

First, a proper fire extinguisher is always necessary. But don’t just grab the one under your kitchen sink; you need a marine-rated Class B extinguisher. These are designed to put out the most common marine fires: gas, oil and grease. Every Sea-Doo personal watercraft has built-in storage space designed to keep the properly sized extinguisher easily and quickly accessible.

Next, a noise signal of some kind is legally required on all motorized watercraft. If you’re ever stranded on the water and need to signal for help, you’ll quickly understand why. Typically, this is either a whistle or small air horn; either will meet the requirement. A whistle can be stored in a glovebox or even on your personal flotation device for instant access. An air horn is not always as easily accessible, but it’s usually more easily heard by passersby over the sound of an engine.

Paperwork is probably the furthest thing from your mind when you’re getting ready to set out on a Sea-Doo adventure, but there are a few very important pieces you’ll need.

• License and registration – Just like your car, when you purchase a new or used Sea-Doo, you’ll need a license number and registration sticker. The license number is issued by your local motor vehicle department or fish and wildlife department and is identified with number and/or letter decals on the side of your personal watercraft. The registration is renewed on an annual or periodic basis (depending on location) that is typically identified with a decal indicating your renewal date. You also want to check your local regulations for trailer requirements, as they are often subject to similar licensing and registration requirements.

• Insurance – This varies by location, but most areas require you to carry a proof of insurance on you. If you used a loan to purchase your personal watercraft, your lending institution will require it to be insured.

• Boater’s license – This also varies by location, but more and more areas require all operators on the water to complete a boater’s safety course. These can be done online or in person. Check with your local dealer or officials to learn what’s required in your area.

Finally, there are two items of required safety gear for all Sea-Doo personal watercraft drivers and passengers: your personal flotation device (PFD) and neoprene bottoms that extend past the upper thigh area.

Your PFD needs to be a coast guard-approved type III flotation device. Type I and type II PFDs are also acceptable, but the most common is a type III that zips or buckles at the front. Sea-Doo offers a variety of styles, colors and price points to choose from.

Neoprene bottoms are not what you think of when it comes to must-wear riding gear, but a pair of neoprene shorts or a wetsuit that extends past your thigh area can save you from severe internal injuries if you fall backward off your personal watercraft. While they are not technically a legal requirement, they are considered an essential piece of safety gear on any personal watercraft.