Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Requirements Specific to Personal Watercraft (PWC)

In addition to adhering to all boating laws, PWC operators have requirements specific to their watercraft.

• Everyone on board a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III personal flotation device (PFD) at all times.
• PWCs must have either a self-circling capability or be equipped with an ignition safety switch. An operator of a PWC equipped with an ignition safety switch must attach the lanyard of the switch to his or her person, clothing, or PFD.
• PWCs may be operated only during daylight hours (between sunrise to sunset).
• PWCs must operate in a responsible manner. Remember, it is illegal to:
  • Weave your PWC through congested waterway traffic
  • Steer toward another object or person in the water and swerve at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision
  • Follow behind another vessel that is towing a person(s) on water-skis, surfboard or similar device
  • Cut between a vessel and the person(s) being towed by that vessel
  • Jump the wake of another vessel in a way that endangers another’s life, safety, or property
  • Cross the path of another vessel when visibility is obstructed
  • Operate within 50 feet of a commercial vessel and its tow that is in operation on the waterway, unless the operator of the commercial vessel has given consent
  • Chase, harass, or disturb wildlife with your PWC

Learn more about how to operate a PWC with this interactive Flash animation. Most students will already have Flash installed. If not, click here to install the Flash Player.

Be Part of the Action! Learn more about operating a PWC with this interactive animation. (Most students will already have Flash installed. If not, follow this link to install the Flash Player.)

Remember—A parent, legal guardian, or other adult who has direct supervision over a child under the age of 18 years, is responsible if he or she knowingly allows the child to operate a vessel in violation of Kentucky law.

Towing a Person Legally with a Vessel

Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water-skis, aquaplanes, kneeboards, inner tubes, or any other device must also obey these laws:

• All persons being towed behind a vessel on water-skis or any other device must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD.
• It is illegal for vessels to tow persons on water-skis, surfboards, or any other device between sunset and sunrise.
• It is illegal for a vessel to tow a person(s) on water-skis, a surfboard, or any other device unless:
  • A person at least 12 years old, in addition to the vessel operator, is on board observing the towed person(s) or ...
  • The vessel has a wide-angle (160 degree field of vision) rearview mirror mounted such that the operator can observe the towed person(s) at all times
• The vessel must have adequate seating for all riders, including the retrieved skier.
• A reasonable distance from other vessels, people and property must be maintained so as not to endanger life or property. It is illegal to ski within:
  • 100 feet of a commercial boat dock, a moorage harbor or a swimming area
  • 2,000 feet of a lock or dam
• Vessels towing person(s) on airborne devices, such as parasails or kites, must:
  • Have on board a person at least 12 years old, in addition to the vessel operator
  • Stay at least 500 feet from commercial docks and ramps
  • Limit the tow rope to 150 feet or less in length
  • Not tow more than two persons at any time

If towing a skier with a personal watercraft and an observer on board, the PWC must be rated for at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the skier.