Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Operating a Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Although a PWC is considered an inboard powerboat and comes under the same rules and requirements of any other powerboat, there are also specific considerations for the PWC operator. In addition to adhering to all boating laws, PWC operators have requirements specific to their watercraft.

• Every person onboard a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device (life jacket). Inflatable PFDs may not be used by those riding on PWC.
• PWC may be operated only during the hours between sunrise to sunset.
• A PWC must be covered by liability insurance and proof of insurance must be onboard whenever the PWC is operated.
• Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended capacity for your PWC.
• Although not legally required, it is strongly recommended that operators of PWC equipped with lanyard-type ignition safety switches attach the lanyard to their person, clothing or PFD.
• Requirements concerning PWC can vary from state to state.

Utah Personal Watercraft Sticker This sticker was produced to remind a PWC operator to be responsible and law abiding by identifying the most commonly cited boating law violations for PWC in Utah. Place it in a visible area near the operator’s position. It is made of UV- and water-resistant material. Contact Utah State Parks and Recreation to obtain one for your PWC.

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.)

Requirements When Towing A Person With A Vessel

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

• Every vessel towing a person(s) on water-skis or other devices must have onboard, in addition to the operator, a person at least 8 years old who is observing the person(s) being towed and reporting the progress of the person(s) under tow to the operator.
• The operator of a vessel towing a person on water-skis or other devices is responsible for maintaining a safe course with proper lookout. It is illegal to operate or manipulate the towing vessel, tow rope, or other device in such a way to cause the towed device or towed person(s) to collide with or strike any object or person(s).
• Utah law requires that vessels towing person(s) on water-skis or similar devices carry and use an international orange “skier down” flag, at least 12 x 12 inches in size and mounted on a handle. The observer must continuously observe the person(s) under tow and display a “skier down” flag whenever a person is in the water after falling or while preparing to ski. The flag must be displayed such that it is visible from all directions.
• If towing a person on skis or other device, the vessel must be rated to carry at least all persons onboard plus those being towed. You may not exceed the vessel’s recommended carrying capacity as defined by the manufacturer.
• Every person being towed behind a vessel on water-skis or other devices must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device (life jacket). Inflatable PFDs may not be used by those being towed. Keep in mind that ski belts are not U.S. Coast Guard–approved.
• It is hazardous and illegal for vessels to tow a person(s) on water-skis or other devices at night (between sunset to sunrise).

If towing a skier with a PWC, the PWC must be rated for at least three people – the operator, the observer and the retrieved skier.