What Is a Thrill Craft?

In Hawaii, special rules exist for a class of vessels called “thrill craft.” In addition to rules on accessing the ocean waters, zone restrictions, seasonal closures, etc., there is a certification requirement for thrill craft operation. This certification is in addition to the basic boating safety course required to operate a motorized vessel in the State. Yes, to operate a thrill craft you are required to take BOTH. The basic boating safety course is your prerequisite for taking the thrill craft course.

If you have been wondering if your watercraft falls into the category of a thrill craft, this is generally how it is described both in the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) and in Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR):

“Thrill craft" means any motorized vessel that falls into the category of personal watercraft, and which:
          (1) Is generally less than thirteen feet in length as manufactured;
          (2) Is generally capable of exceeding a speed of twenty miles per hour;
          (3) Can be operated by a single operator, but may have the capacity to carry passengers while in operation; or
          (4) Is designed to provide similar operating performance as a personal watercraft through a combination of small size, power plant, and hull design.

The term includes but is not limited to, a jet ski, waverunner, wet bike, surf jet, miniature speed boat, hovercraft, and every description of vessel which uses an internal combustion engine powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive propulsion; and is designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing, or kneeling on or being towed behind the vessel.