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What do Federal Regulations require of all personal watercraft?

A) They must have a VHF radio on board.
B) They must display a red flagWhen stationary.
C) They must carry a fire extinguisher.
D) They must be equipped with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Federal regulations require all personal watercraft to be equipped with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch to ensure safety by automatically turning off the engine if the operator falls off the craft.

Step-by-step explanation:

Federal regulations for personal watercraft include a variety of safety requirements to ensure the wellbeing of those on the water as well as protect the environment. While regulations may vary by state and locality, there is one uniform requirement set by the U.S. Coast Guard that is enforceable across the United States. Of the options given in the question, personal watercraft must be equipped with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch. This switch is a safety device designed to turn off the engine if the operator falls off the craft, helping to prevent accidents and injuries. Additionally, while not part of the Federal Regulations, Maryland's Department of Natural Resources advocates for the protection of local waters by recommending that users remove all visible plants, animals, mud, and debris from their boats and associated equipment, drain and rinse all live wells, bilge areas, and coolers, and rinse all fishing equipment, boats, trailers, and SCUBA gear with a hard spray from a garden hose before launching into Maryland waters.

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