You pride yourself on having the latest technology, whether Wi-Fi, MP3 or digital DVD. So you know the importance of having the right gear on board. This handy checklist will help you play it safe on the water.

Note: Gear marked by an asterisk * is required by Texas law.

Life jackets*. Also called PFDs or personal flotation devices. A sure way to keep from drowning. State law requirements:

• Children under 13 years of age in motorboats under 26 feet must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD while under way.
• All vessels under 16 feet (including canoes and kayaks) must be equipped with one Type I, II, III or V for each person on board.
• Vessels 16 feet and longer, in addition to the Type I, II, III or V for each person on board, must have one Type IV, which must be readily accessible. Canoes and kayaks over 16 feet are exempt from the Type IV requirement.

Functioning navigational lights and mirrors for the boat.*
Sound-producing device.* This means a working horn or whistle. No, your buddy's catcalls don't cut it.
Texas certificate of title.* Copy on board is required by state law, with the numbers correctly affixed to the boat.
Working fire extinguisher that’s easily accessible. (Quick check: Does it take you 10 minutes to find because it’s stowed under towels, below a toolkit, behind a moldy box? If so, it can’t help you if you need it.)*
Two-way marine radio. The best ones for mariners are water-resistant, battery-powered models with two-radio capability and a range of up to 12 miles. Get one at local retailers such as Academy.
First-aid kit. Please. Spare us the machismo talk about never having an accident.
Sunscreen. So it makes you look a little splotchy? It's protection for your skin.
Water. Yes, we know you are going to be swimming in it and boating on it. But you need to drink it, too, so you don't dehydrate.
All-hazards radio.

Learn more about NOAA and all-hazards radios.
Find out where to purchase a discounted all-hazards radio for your home.