“Personal watercraft” (PWC) means a class A motorboat less than 16 feet, designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel rather than the operator sitting or standing inside the vessel.  Examples include Jet Ski, Sea-Doo, WaveRunner and similar devices.

For additional information or questions take a Boating Safety Course or contact your local New Mexico state park lake and speak with a New Mexico State Parks marine law enforcement officer.

For your personal watercraft (PWC) here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.

Legally Required Equipment:

• Certificate of Number (registration card) on board and available for inspection. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Boater Education Card on board. 18.17.4 NMAC
• Registration Numbers on each side of the motorboat’s forward half. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board, in serviceable condition, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. (All persons on a PWC must wear a life jacket.) 18.17.2 NMAC
• Fire Extinguisher (Type 5-B) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, if the vessel has an inboard engine, closed compartments under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored, double bottoms not sealed to the hull or that are not completely filled with flotation material, closed living spaces, closed storage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials may be stored, or permanently installed fuel tanks. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Rope of at least equal length to the vessel. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Paddle or Oar. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Bailing Bucket with a capacity of at least one gallon or hand-operated Bilge Pump. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Sound Producing Device capable of producing a two-second blast that is audible for at least one-half mile, such as a horn or whistle. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Ventilation System if carrying or using any flammable or toxic fluid in any enclosure for any purpose. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Backfire Flame Arrestor if vessel has an inboard motor. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Engine Cut-Off Switch Link, attached to the operator, operator’s clothing, or operator’s PFD, if equipped. 18.17.2 NMAC

Additional Boating Safety Information and Boating Laws:

• Do not exceed the capacity of the boat.
• Properly working lights are required to be displayed between one half-hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978 and 18.17.2 NMAC
• No person under the age of 13 may operate a motorboat unless under an adult’s onboard supervision. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Towing can only be legally done on a PWC rated for a minimum capacity of three people and an observer must be on board. 18.17.2 NMAC
• On a three-person PWC, only one person at a time may be towed (three people = operator, observer and person being towed).
• Towing more than one person on a PWC will exceed the capacity of a three-person PWC.
• A red or orange flag (commonly referred to as skier down flag) is required to be displayed when a person or people being towed are in the water. The flag must be at least one foot square. 18.17.2 NMAC

Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.

New Mexico State Parks recommends that all boaters take a boating safety course. A list of classes and additional on-line options can be found online.

Some boating waters have local regulations more restrictive than state law.  Contact each boating water for additional regulations before you boat.

All boat accidents that involve a missing person, injury beyond first aid, and/or damage greater than $100 must be reported to the local law enforcement agency and New Mexico State Parks—no exceptions!

Operators are subject to arrest for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Motorboat” means any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not machinery is the principal source of propulsion, but does not include a vessel that has a valid marine document issued by the bureau of customs of the United States government or any federal agency successor thereto.

“Sailboat” means any vessel propelled or designed to be propelled by sail and that does not have a valid document issued by a federal agency, but does not include a sailboard or windsurf board.

For additional information or questions take a Boating Safety Course or contact your local New Mexico state park lake and speak with a New Mexico State Parks marine law enforcement officer.

For your motorboat less than 16 feet (class A) here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.

Legally Required Equipment:

• Certificate of Number (registration card) on board and available for inspection. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Boater Education Card on board. 18.17.4 NMAC
• Registration Numbers on each side of the motorboat’s forward half. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Throwable Personal Flotation Device, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Fire Extinguisher (Type 5-B) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, if the vessel has an inboard engine, closed compartments under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored, double bottoms not sealed to the hull or that are not completely filled with flotation material, closed living spaces, closed storage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials may be stored, or permanently installed fuel tanks. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Rope of at least equal length to the vessel. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Paddle or Oar. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Bailing Bucket with a capacity of at least one gallon, or hand-operated Bilge Pump. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Sound Producing Device capable of producing a two-second blast that is audible for at least one-half mile, such as a horn or whistle. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Ventilation System, if carrying or using any flammable or toxic fluid in any enclosure for any purpose. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Backfire Flame Arrestor if vessel has an inboard motor. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Engine Cut-Off Switch Link, attached to the operator, operator’s clothing, or operator’s PFD, if equipped. 18.17.2 NMAC

Additional Boating Safety Information and Boating Laws:

• Do not exceed the capacity of the boat. (Count the people being towed as well as the people in the boat.)
• Properly working lights are required to be displayed between one half-hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978 and 18.17.2 NMAC.
• Children under the age of 13 may not operate a motorboat except when under an adult’s onboard supervision. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Life jackets must be worn by:
  • children under the age of 13 while underway except when below deck or in an enclosed cabin,
  • every person towed behind a vessel, and
  • persons boating on a river. Section 66-12-14 NMSA 1978 and 18.17.2 NMAC
• Towing can be legally done only if:
  • the vessel is equipped with a device capable of letting the operator have an unobstructed view of the person or object being towed, or
  • an observer is on board in addition to the operator. Section 66-12-14 NMSA 1978
• A red or orange flag (commonly referred to as skier down flag) is required to be displayed when a person or people being towed are in the water. The flag must be at least one foot square. 18.17.2 NMAC

Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.

New Mexico State Parks recommends that all boaters take a boating safety course. A list of classes and additional on-line options can be found on our website.

Some boating waters have local regulations more restrictive than state law.  Contact each boating water for additional regulations before you boat.

All boat accidents that involve a missing person, injury beyond first aid, and/or damage greater than $100 must be reported to the local law enforcement agency and New Mexico State Parks—no exceptions!

Operators are subject to arrest for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Motorboat” means any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not machinery is the principal source of propulsion, but does not include a vessel that has a valid marine document issued by the bureau of customs of the United States government or any federal agency successor thereto.

“Sailboat” means any vessel propelled or designed to be propelled by sail and that does not have a valid document issued by a federal agency, but does not include a sailboard or windsurf board.

For additional information or questions take a Boating Safety Course or contact your local New Mexico state park lake and speak with a New Mexico State Parks marine law enforcement officer.

For your motorboat or sailboat 16 feet–less than 26 feet (class 1) here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.

Legally Required Equipment:

• Certificate of Number (registration card) on board and available for inspection. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Boater Education Card on board. 18.17.4 NMAC
• Registration Numbers on each side of the motorboat’s forward half. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Throwable Personal Flotation Device, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Fire Extinguisher (Type 5-B) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, if the vessel has an inboard engine, closed compartments under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored, double bottoms not sealed to the hull or that are not completely filled with flotation material, closed living spaces, closed storage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials may be stored, or permanently installed fuel tanks. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Rope of at least equal length to the vessel. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Paddle or Oar. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Bailing Bucket with a capacity of at least one gallon, or hand-operated Bilge Pump. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Sound Producing Device capable of producing a two-second blast that is audible for at least one-half mile, such as a horn or whistle. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Ventilation System, if carrying or using any flammable or toxic fluid in any enclosure for any purpose. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Backfire Flame Arrestor if vessel has an inboard motor. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Engine Cut-Off Switch Link, attached to the operator, operator’s clothing, or operator’s PFD, if equipped. 18.17.2 NMAC

Additional Boating Safety Information and Boating Laws:

• Do not exceed the capacity of the boat. (Count the people being towed as well as the people in the boat.)
• Properly working lights are required to be displayed between one half-hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978 and 18.17.2 NMAC
• Children under the age of 13 may not operate a motorboat except when under an adult’s onboard supervision. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Life jackets must be worn by:
  • children under the age of 13 while underway except when below deck or in an enclosed cabin,
  • every person towed behind a vessel, and
  • persons boating on a river. Section 66-12-14 NMSA 1978 and 18.17.2 NMAC
• Towing can be legally done only if:
  • the vessel is equipped with a device capable of letting the operator have an unobstructed view of the person or object being towed, or
  • an observer is on board in addition to the operator. Section 66-12-14 NMSA 1978
• A red or orange flag (commonly referred to as skier down flag) is required to be displayed when a person or people being towed are in the water. The flag must be at least one foot square. 18.17.2 NMAC

Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.

New Mexico State Parks recommends that all boaters take a boating safety course. A list of classes and additional on-line options can be found on our website.

Some boating waters have local regulations more restrictive than state law.  Contact each boating water for additional regulations before you boat.

All boat accidents that involve a missing person, injury beyond first aid, and/or damage greater than $100 must be reported to the local law enforcement agency and New Mexico State Parks—no exceptions!

Operators are subject to arrest for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Motorboat” means any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not machinery is the principal source of propulsion, but does not include a vessel that has a valid marine document issued by the bureau of customs of the United States government or any federal agency successor thereto.

“Sailboat” means any vessel propelled or designed to be propelled by sail and that does not have a valid document issued by a federal agency, but does not include a sailboard or windsurf board.

For additional information or questions take a Boating Safety Course or contact your local New Mexico state park lake and speak with a New Mexico State Parks marine law enforcement officer.

For your motorboat or sailboat 26 feet–less than 40 feet (class 2) here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.

Legally Required Equipment:

• Certificate of Number (registration card) on board and available for inspection. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Boater Education Card on board. 18.17.4 NMAC
• Registration Numbers on each side of the motorboat’s forward half. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Throwable Personal Flotation Device, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Fire Extinguisher (two Type 5-Bs or one Type 20-B) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, if the vessel has an inboard engine, closed compartments under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored, double bottoms not sealed to the hull or that are not completely filled with flotation material, closed living spaces, closed storage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials may be stored, or permanently installed fuel tanks. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Rope of at least equal length to the vessel. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Paddle or Oar. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Bailing Bucket with a capacity of at least one gallon, or hand-operated Bilge Pump. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Horn or Whistle capable of producing a two-second blast that is audible for at least one mile, and a Bell. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Ventilation System, if carrying or using any flammable or toxic fluid in any enclosure for any purpose. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Backfire Flame Arrestor if vessel has an inboard motor. 18.17.2 NMAC

Additional Boating Safety Information and Boating Laws:

• Do not exceed the capacity of the boat. (Count the people being towed as well as the people in the boat.)
• Properly working lights are required to be displayed between one half-hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978 and 18.17.2 NMAC
• Children under the age of 13 may not operate a motorboat except when under an adult’s onboard supervision. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Life jackets must be worn by:
  • children under the age of 13 while underway except when below deck or in an enclosed cabin,
  • every person towed behind a vessel, and
  • persons boating on a river. Section 66-12-14 NMSA 1978 and 18.17.2 NMAC
• Towing can be legally done only if:
  • the vessel is equipped with a device capable of letting the operator have an unobstructed view of the person or object being towed, or
  • an observer is on board in addition to the operator. Section 66-12-14 NMSA 1978
• A red or orange flag (commonly referred to as skier down flag) is required to be displayed when a person or people being towed are in the water. The flag must be at least one foot square. 18.17.2 NMAC

Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.

New Mexico State Parks recommends that all boaters take a boating safety course. A list of classes and additional on-line options can be found on our website.

Some boating waters have local regulations more restrictive than state law.  Contact each boating water for additional regulations before you boat.

All boat accidents that involve a missing person, injury beyond first aid, and/or damage greater than $100 must be reported to the local law enforcement agency and New Mexico State Parks—no exceptions!

Operators are subject to arrest for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Motorboat” means any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not machinery is the principal source of propulsion, but does not include a vessel that has a valid marine document issued by the bureau of customs of the United States government or any federal agency successor thereto.

“Sailboat” means any vessel propelled or designed to be propelled by sail and that does not have a valid document issued by a federal agency, but does not include a sailboard or windsurf board.

For additional information or questions take a Boating Safety Course or contact your local New Mexico state park lake and speak with a New Mexico State Parks marine law enforcement officer.

For your motorboat or sailboat 40 feet–less than 65 feet (class 3) here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.

Legally Required Equipment:

• Certificate of Number (registration card) on board and available for inspection. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Boater Education Card on board. 17.4 NMAC
• Registration Numbers on each side of the motorboat’s forward half. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Throwable Personal Flotation Device, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Fire Extinguisher (three Type 5-Bs or one Type 20-B) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, if the vessel has an inboard engine, closed compartments under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored, double bottoms not sealed to the hull or that are not completely filled with flotation material, closed living spaces, closed storage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials may be stored, or permanently installed fuel tanks. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Rope of at least equal length to the vessel. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Paddle or Oar. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Bailing Bucket with a capacity of at least one gallon, or hand-operated Bilge Pump. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Power operated Horn or Whistle capable of producing a two-second blast that is audible for at least one mile, and a Bell. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Ventilation System, if carrying or using any flammable or toxic fluid in any enclosure for any purpose. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Backfire Flame Arrestor if vessel has an inboard motor. 18.7.2 NMAC

Additional Boating Safety Information and Boating Laws:

• Do not exceed the capacity of the boat. (Count the people being towed as well as the people in the boat.)
• Properly working lights are required to be displayed between one half-hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978 and 18.17.2 NMAC
• Children under the age of 13 may not operate a motorboat except when under an adult’s onboard supervision. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Life jackets must be worn by:
  • children under the age of 13 while underway except when below deck or in an enclosed cabin,
  • every person towed behind a vessel, and
  • persons boating on a river. Section 66-12-14 NMSA 1978 and 18.17.2 NMAC
• Towing can be legally done only if:
  • the vessel is equipped with a device capable of letting the operator have an unobstructed view of the person or object being towed, or
  • an observer is on board in addition to the operator. Section 66-12-14 NMSA 1978
• A red or orange flag (commonly referred to as skier down flag) is required to be displayed when a person or people being towed are in the water. The flag must be at least one foot square. 18.17.2 NMAC

Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.

New Mexico State Parks recommends that all boaters take a boating safety course. A list of classes and additional on-line options can be found on our website.

Some boating waters have local regulations more restrictive than state law.  Contact each boating water for additional regulations before you boat.

All boat accidents that involve a missing person, injury beyond first aid, and/or damage greater than $100 must be reported to the local law enforcement agency and New Mexico State Parks—no exceptions!

Operators are subject to arrest for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

For additional information or questions take a Boating Safety Course or contact your local New Mexico state park lake and speak with a New Mexico State Parks marine law enforcement officer.

For your canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or rubber raft here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.

Legally Required Equipment:

• Wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board, in serviceable condition, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. (All persons on a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or rubber raft must wear a life jacket.) 18.17.2 NMAC
• Paddle or Oar. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Sound Producing Device capable of producing a two-second blast that is audible for at least one-half mile, such as a horn or whistle. 18.17.2 NMAC

Additional Boating Safety Information and Boating Laws:

• Persons using canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and rubber rafts must wear a life jacket. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Vessel must be registered and numbered if a motor is attached (electric or gasoline)
• A flashlight or other white light is required to be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision between one half-hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. 18.17.2 NMAC

Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.

New Mexico State Parks recommends that all boaters take a boating safety course. A list of classes and additional on-line options can be found on our website.

Some boating waters have local regulations more restrictive than state law.  Contact each boating water for additional regulations before you boat.

All boat accidents that involve a missing person, injury beyond first aid, and/or damage greater than $100 must be reported to the local law enforcement agency and New Mexico State Parks—no exceptions!

Operators are subject to arrest for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

For additional information or questions take a Boating Safety Course or contact your local New Mexico state park lake and speak with a New Mexico State Parks marine law enforcement officer.

For your wind sail board, inner tube, air mattress, float tube or other inflatable device here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.

Legally Required Equipment:

• Wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board, in serviceable condition, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. (All persons on a wind sail board, inner tube, air mattress, float tube or other inflatable device must wear a life jacket.) 18.17.2 NMAC
• Paddle or Oar. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
• Sound Producing Device capable of producing a two-second blast that is audible for at least one-half mile, such as a horn or whistle. 17.2 NMAC

Additional Boating Safety Information and Boating Laws:

• Persons using wind sail boards, inner tubes, air mattresses, float tubes or other inflatable devices must wear a life jacket. 18.17.2 NMAC
• Vessel must be registered and numbered if a motor is attached (electric or gasoline)
• A flashlight or other white light is required to be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision between one half-hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. 18.17.2 NMAC

Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.

New Mexico State Parks recommends that all boaters take a boating safety course. A list of classes and additional on-line options can be found on our website.

Some boating waters have local regulations more restrictive than state law.  Contact each boating water for additional regulations before you boat.

All boat accidents that involve a missing person, injury beyond first aid, and/or damage greater than $100 must be reported to the local law enforcement agency and New Mexico State Parks—no exceptions!

Operators are subject to arrest for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.