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Alaska Statutes.

Title 5. Amusements and Sports

Chapter 25. Watercraft

Section 10. Safety Requirements.

AS 05.25.010. Safety Requirements.

(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, a boat placed on the water of the state

(1) must be equipped with and use the sound producing devices and visual distress signals of the same number, type, and specifications as required by the United States Coast Guard;

(2) that is equipped with a gasoline engine for electrical generation, mechanical power, or mechanical propulsion must also be equipped with the ventilation systems and backfire flame control devices of the same type and specifications as required by the United States Coast Guard; and

(3) that is equipped with an engine for electrical generation, mechanical power, or mechanical propulsion must also be equipped with the fire extinguishers of the same number, type, and specifications as required by the United States Coast Guard.

(b) The provisions of (a) of this section apply regardless of whether the boat is placed or operated on water of the state subject to federal jurisdiction.

(c) During the period of time extending from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility, a boat placed on water of the state must display lights of the same number, type, and specifications as required by the United States Coast Guard under 33 U.S.C. 1602 and 33 U.S.C. 2002.

(d) A boat on water of the state must carry one United States Coast Guard approved Type I, Type II, or Type III personal flotation device in serviceable condition for each person on board the boat. A Type V personal flotation device may be carried in lieu of a personal flotation device required in this subsection if the Type V personal flotation device is in serviceable condition and

(1) if the approval label on the Type V personal flotation device indicates that the device is approved for the activity in which the boat is being used, or that the device is approved as a substitute for a personal flotation device of the type required on the boat; and

(2) for a device that contains a reference to an owner's manual, if the Type V personal flotation device is used in accordance with the requirements in the owner's manual.

(e) In addition to the requirements in (d) of this section, a boat that is 16 feet or longer, other than a kayak or canoe, must carry one Type IV personal flotation device that can be thrown and that is approved by the United States Coast Guard.

(f) A person may not use a flashing or revolving red or blue emergency light on a boat unless the boat is operated by a peace officer or emergency professional in the performance of official duties.

(g) The operator of a boat on water of the state may not transport a person under 13 years of age on the deck of a boat or in an open boat unless the person is wearing a United States Coast Guard approved Type I, Type II, or Type III personal flotation device. A Type V personal flotation device may be worn in lieu of a personal flotation device required in this subsection if the Type V personal flotation device is in serviceable condition and

(1) if the approval label on the Type V personal flotation device indicates that the device is approved for the activity in which the boat is being used, or that the device is approved as a substitute for a personal flotation device of the type required on the boat; and

(2) for a device that contains a reference to an owner's manual, if the Type V personal flotation device is used in accordance with the requirements in the owner's manual.

(h) The Department of Public Safety may require, by regulation, that a boat or class of boats carry additional equipment that is necessary for the safety of persons and property.