It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

PWC operators must obey laws that apply to other vessels as well as obey additional requirements that apply specifically to the operation of personal watercraft.

Requirements Specific to PWCs

• Every person on board a PWC must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD.
• If the PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch, the lanyard must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator.
• A PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.
• A PWC operator must always face forward.
• A PWC may not be operated faster than “slow, no wake speed” within:
  • 100 feet of any other vessel
  • 100 feet of a dock, pier, raft, or restricted area
  • 200 feet of shore on any lake
• There are minimum age and boater education requirements for operators of PWCs.
• A PWC must be operated in a responsible manner. Maneuvers that endanger people or property are prohibited, including:
  • Jumping a wake with a PWC within 100 feet of another vessel
  • Operating within 100 feet of a vessel that is towing a skier, tuber, or wakeboarder, or operating within 100 feet of the tow rope or person being towed
  • Weaving a PWC through congested waterway traffic
  • Steering toward another object or person in the water and swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision
  • Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with a PWC

Avoid Propeller Strike Injuries!

Most propeller strike accidents result from operator error. Victims include swimmers, scuba divers, fallen water-skiers, and boat operators or passengers. Most propeller accidents can be prevented by following basic safe boating practices.

• Maintain a proper lookout. The primary cause of propeller strike accidents is operator inattention.
• Make sure the engine is off so that the propeller is not rotating when passengers are boarding or leaving a boat.
• Never start a boat with the engine in gear.
• Slow down when approaching congested areas and anchorages. In congested areas, always be alert for swimmers and divers.