A.__A person operates a watercraft without proper safety equipment if the person operates a watercraft and:

(1)__Fails to comply with the same requirements pertaining to lights, life-saving devices, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment as required by federal laws and regulations on federal navigable waters, as promulgated under the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, Public Law 92-75, as amended;

(2)__Fails to comply with requirements pertaining to additional equipment not in conflict with federal navigation laws, which the commissioner may prescribe if there is a demonstrated need;

(3)__Fails to wear a Coast Guard approved Type I, Type II or Type III personal flotation device while canoeing or kayaking on the Saco River between Hiram Dam and the Atlantic Ocean between January 1st and June 1st; or

(4)__Fails to wear a Coast Guard approved Type I, Type II, Type III or Type V personal flotation device while operating a watercraft on:

(a)__The Penobscot River, between the gorge and the head of Big Eddy; or

(b)__The Kennebec River, between Harris Station and Turtle Island, at the foot of Black Brook Rapids.

B.__Notwithstanding paragraph A:

(1)__Canoes, owned by a boys or girls summer camp located upon internal waters in the State and duly licensed by the Department of Human Services and utilized by campers under the direction and supervision of a camp counselor at least 18 years of age or older during training and instruction periods on waters adjacent to the main camp within a distance of 500 feet from the shoreline of that camp, are exempt from this subsection; and