It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs
PWC operators must adhere to additional legal
requirements that apply specifically to the operation
of personal watercraft on Mississippi waters.
Requirements Specific to PWCs
- Each person riding on or being towed behind a PWC must wear U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD (life jacket).
- PWCs should not be operated in a manner that requires the operator to swerve at the last possible moment to
avoid a collision. Also, a PWC should not jump the wake
of another vessel recklessly or unnecessarily close to that
vessel.
- It is also strongly recommended that:
- An operator of a PWC equipped with a lanyard-type
ignition safety switch always attach the lanyard to his or her
person, clothing, or PFD
- PWCs are operated during daylight hours only
- In addition to the requirements above, Mississippi
Ordinance No. 16.003 states that on marine waters
south of Interstate Highway 10 (I-10), PWCs:
- Must be equipped with a self-circling device or
lanyard-type ignition safety switch with the lanyard
attached to the operator’s person, clothing, or PFD.
- Must not be operated at an excessive speed within 100 feet of another occupied vessel except in a
crossing situation or when overtaking in accordance with the
navigation rules.
- May not jump, or attempt to jump, the wake of
another vessel within 100 feet of that vessel.
- May not follow within 100 feet of a water-skier.

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