(a) All canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, sailboats, rubber rafts, and other paddle craft when paddled, poled, oared, or windblown are exempt from all safety equipment requirements except each vessel must have the following:
(1) one Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device for each person aboard; and
(2) the lights prescribed by the commandant of the Coast Guard for vessels and required under § 31.064.
(a-1) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a vessel described by that subsection, except a canoe or kayak, that is 16 feet or more in length must be equipped with at least one Type IV personal flotation device of the sort prescribed by the regulations of the commandant of the Coast Guard.

(b) Racing shells, rowing sculls, and racing kayaks while participating in or practicing for an officially sanctioned race are exempt from all safety equipment requirements except the lights prescribed by the commandant of the Coast Guard for vessels and required under § 31.064.
(c) In this section, “racing shell,” “rowing scull,” or “racing kayak” means a manually propelled boat:
(1) recognized by a national or international racing association for use in competitive racing;
(2) not designed or used to carry equipment serving any purpose other than competitive racing; and
(3) in which each occupant, except a coxswain, rows, sculls, or paddles.