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.