46 U.S.C. § 4306 — Federal preemption

Unless permitted by the Secretary under section 4305 of this title, a State^* or political subdivision of a State may not establish, continue in effect, or enforce a law or regulation establishing a recreational vessel^* or associated equipment performance or other safety standard or imposing a requirement for associated equipment (except insofar as the State or political subdivision may, in the absence of the Secretary’s disapproval, regulate the carrying or use of marine safety articles to meet uniquely hazardous conditions or circumstances within the State) that is not identical to a regulation prescribed under section 4302 of this title.