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

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

• Each person riding on or being towed behind a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device. Inflatable PFDs do not satisfy this requirement.
• 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 at all times while the PWC is being operated.
• It is illegal to operate a PWC between sunset and sunrise.
• PWCs must be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner at all times. It is illegal to operate in a reckless manner; for example it is illegal to:
  • Weave your PWC through congested traffic.
  • Jump the wake of another vessel within 100 feet to the other vessel or when visibility around the other vessel is restricted.
  • Approach another vessel intentionally and swerve at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision.
  • Operate contrary to the navigation rules given in Chapter 3.
  • Follow another vessel too closely. Following too closely means travelling at a speed over 10 miles per hour, in the same direction as the other vessel, and within 100 feet behind or within 50 feet to the side of the other vessel. An exception to this law is made when operating in a narrow channel, in which case PWCs may operate at the speed and flow of other traffic.
  • Operate at more than “no wake speed” within 100 feet of anchored or moored vessels, a boat ramp, a dock, a pier, a swim float, a marked swimming area, swimmers, surfers, persons fishing, or any manually propelled vessel.
• It is illegal to chase, harass, or disturb wildlife with your PWC.

Remember—As an owner of a PWC, you may be held responsible if you allow anyone else to operate your PWC in such a way that it violates the laws of North Carolina.

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.)

Towing a Person with a Vessel Legally

In addition to adhering to the laws as they apply to all vessels, vessel operators towing someone on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device must obey these laws.

• It is illegal for vessels to tow persons on water skis, surfboards, or any device of this type between sunset and sunrise.
• Vessels towing water-skiers or participating in a similar activity must operate in a careful and prudent manner. A reasonable distance from other vessels, people, and property must be maintained so as not to endanger life or property. It is illegal to cause the person being towed to collide with any object or person.
• It is illegal to be towed on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device while you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• To tow a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device behind a PWC legally:
  • There must be a person on board the PWC, in addition to the operator, observing the towed person(s) or the PWC must be equipped with a wide-angle rearview mirror and …
  • The PWC must have a capacity rating by the manufacturer that is at least equal to the total number of persons operating, observing, and being towed.
• It is illegal for a vessel, other than a PWC, to tow a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device unless:
  • A person, in addition to the vessel operator, is on board and observing the towed person(s) or …
  • The vessel is equipped with a wide-angle rearview mirror mounted such that the operator can observe the towed person(s) at all times or …
  • Each person being towed is wearing a personal flotation device

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