Which of the following items must be present on a 12-foot inflatable dinghy?

A 12-foot inflatable dinghy must carry a personal flotation device (PFD) for each person onboard to ensure safety while navigating the water. This requirement promotes responsible boating practices, as PFDs are essential life-saving devices that can significantly reduce the risk of drowning in case of accidents or capsizing. Legislations and safety guidelines often mandate the presence of wearing PFDs, particularly for recreational boats, emphasizing the importance of having adequate safety equipment for all passengers.

While having a spare motor, navigational charts, and a flashlight can certainly enhance safety and preparedness during a boating trip, they are not universally required by law for all inflatable dinghies. The presence of PFDs, however, is a critical safety requirement designed to protect everyone on board, making it the correct choice for this question.