It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

PWC operators must obey the 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

• Each person riding on a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device (life jacket).
• If the PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch, the lanyard must be attached to the person, clothing, or life jacket of the operator.
  
• PWCs may not be operated between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.
• PWCs must be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner at all times. For example, it is illegal to:
  • Jump the wake of another vessel unnecessarily close to the other vessel.
  • Weave your PWC through congested traffic.
  • Swerve at the last moment to avoid collision.
• No one may operate a PWC at greater than headway speed within 200 feet of swimmers, divers, the shoreline, or moored vessels. Headway speed is the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering.
  
• When launched from shore or returning to shore, PWCs must proceed directly to the area where operation is allowed in a direction as near perpendicular as possible, not in excess of headway speed.
• Anyone operating a personal watercraft, regardless of age, must have passed an approved boater education course.
• Some waters may have local regulations that limit or prohibit the operation of personal watercraft. Be sure to check local regulations before going boating.