The use of Personal Watercraft (PWC) sometimes referred to as "jet skis" has increased considerably in recent years. Although a PWC is considered an
inboard vessel and comes under the same rules and requirements of any other vessel, there are specific considerations for the PWC operator.
Who may operate a PWC
- No one less than 12 years old may legally operate a PWC.
A person who is 12 or more and less than 14 years may operate a PWC only if ALL of the following conditions are satisfied:
- The person is accompanied solely by his or her parent or legal guardian.
- Both the person and the parent or legal guardian have obtained a boating safety certificate.
- The PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type ignition switch and the parent or guardian has the lanyard attached to his or her person - clothing or PFD
(life jacket)
- The PWC is designed to carry at least two people.
Those 14 years of age or older:
- PWC operators born after Dec. 31, 1978 must carry their boating safety certificate and display it upon the demand of a peace officer.
- Those born Dec. 31, 1978 or earlier may operate a PWC without restrictions.
Requirements Specific to PWC's
- Each person riding on or towed behind a PWC must wear a US Coast Guard approved type I, II or III PFD. Inflatable PFD's may not be used.
- You may not allow a child under 7 years of age to ride on or be towed behind a PWC, unless with a parent or guardian, or designee of the parent.
- The lanyard of a PWC's ignition safety switch must be attached to the person, clothing or PFD of the operator.
- Each personal watercraft must be equipped with one B1 type fire extinguisher.
- It is illegal to operate a PWC one hour before sunset and before 8:00 A.M.
- PWC's must be operated at slow-no wake speed if crossing withing 150 feet of another vessel, unless the other vessel is also a PWC.
- You may not operate a PWC in waters less than 2 feet deep unless you are operating at slow-no wake speed, or docking or launching your PWC.
- You may not operate (includes both PWC and person being towed) within 100 feet of:
Any moored or anchored vessel.
A dock or raft.
Any marked swimming area or person(s) in the water.
A person shall not operate a PWC, or be allowed to operate one by a person in charge or in control of a personal watercraft, if either of the following
conditions exist:
- The person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance, or both.
- The person has a blood alcohol content of 0.10% or more.
Courtesy on PWC's
- Vary your operating area and avoid repetitious operation.
- Avoid congregating with other PWC operators near shore as this can increase annoying noise levels.
- Avoid making excessive noise near residential and camping areas, particularly early in the morning. Excessive use in one area can be an irritant to
people who are there to enjoy a quiet and relaxing time.
- Do not chase or harass any wildlife.
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