PERSONAL WATERCRAFT LAW

PWC are typically regulated more than other powerboats. Many states require both a minimum age and proof of passing a boating education course in order to legally operate a PWC. Strict measures are in place regarding the hours of operation, towing, life jacket wear and the requirement to attach the safety lanyard. Additionally, safe operation of a PWC may include staying a minimum distance away from other boats, and slowing to no wake speed in certain areas.

The term reckless operation is a catch-all term under most state laws and simply means that if you are observed by a law enforcement officer operating in a manner deemed to have the possibility of endangering life, limb or property, you may be cited for operating in a reckless manner. You should always operate your PWC safely and legally to avoid any mishaps on the water, or receiving a ticket from a law enforcement officer.

Specific Kansas PWC laws

The minimum age to operate a PWC is 16, however, a person between the ages of 12 – 16 may operate a PWC if they carry proof of passing an approved boating safety course and are accompanied by a person who is 17 years of age or older. These rules also apply to rented PWC.

PWC are subject to all applicable laws and regulations that govern the operation, equipment, registration, numbering, and all other matters relating to vessels whenever a personal watercraft is operated on the waters of Kansas, except as modified below.

• A PWC may not be operated unless each person aboard the personal watercraft is wearing a type I, type II, type III, or type V United States coast guard-approved personal floatation device.
• Each person operating a PWC equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch shall attach the lanyard to the operator’s person, clothing, or personal floatation device, as appropriate.
• A person shall not operate a PWC between sunset and sunrise.
• Must operate a personal watercraft at no-wake speeds of five miles per hour or less when within 100 feet of and of the following:
• A dock;
• a boat ramp;
• a person swimming;
• a bridge structure;
• a moored or anchored vessel;
• a sewage pump-out facility; or
• a nonmotorized watercraft.

PWC must be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner at all times. Maneuvers that unreasonably or unnecessarily endanger life, limb, or property are prohibited. This prohibition shall include weaving through congested vessel traffic or jumping the wake produced by another vessel at an unsafe distance.

• The operator of a PWC must face forward.
• When towing, the PWC must be at least a 2-seater. The owner of a PWC may not allow anyone to operate the PWC unless they meet the legal requirements.