Which vessels are exempt from carrying oars?

Personal watercraft, sailboards, and motorboats that are 26 feet or longer are exempt from carrying oars due to their design and intended use. These vessels are typically equipped with engines that allow for powered navigation, which diminishes the necessity for oars as a means of propulsion. Conventional safety regulations differentiate between types of vessels; motorboats, especially larger ones, are expected to operate primarily on motor power rather than manual rowing. Smaller vessels and non-powered craft, such as rowboats and occasionally smaller sailboats, may still require oars for maneuvering or emergency situations, reinforcing the rule that larger and powered vessels do not carry the same requirement.

This exemption helps streamline safety requirements for different types of boating experiences, focusing on the most practical means of travel for each vessel type.