PERSONAL WATERCRAFT OPERATION

As an owner of a PWC, you are legally responsible if you allow the PWC to be operated in violation of law.

Legal Operation of a PWC

PWCs must be operated in a safe and responsible manner. It is illegal to operate a jet ski, surf jet or wetbike

• between sunset and sunrise.
• unless the person is 16 years of age or older,
• within 150 feet of a swimmer, shore or moored vessel, except at headway speed (see definition below),
• on waters of the commonwealth of less than 75 acres,
• without wearing an approved personal flotation device or without attaching the lanyard safety device
• while towing a water-skier or a person in any manner behind a PWC, no one may be towed behind a PWC under any circumstances
• if jumping the wake of another vessel or exceeding speed in restricted areas
• Following within 150 feet of a water-skier
• Crossing unreasonably close to another vessel
• Weaving through congested waterway traffic
• Operating in such a manner that it endangers the life, limb or property of any person

The term "headway speed'' means the slowest speed at which a personal watercraft, jet ski, surf jet or wetbike can be operated and maintain steerage way.

Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft in Massachusetts

• Persons under 16 years of age may not operate a PWC on Massachusetts' waters under any circumstances.
• Persons 16 or 17 years of age may operate a PWC on Massachusetts' waters only if they have passed an approved boating safety course and carry proof while operating.
• Persons 18 years of age or older may operate a PWC on Massachusetts' waters without age restrictions.
• It is illegal to lease, or rent a personal watercraft to any person under 16 years of age. It is illegal to lease, hire, or rent a PWC to any person 16 or 17 years of age who does not have in his or her possession the required boating safety certificate.

A person must be at least 12 years of age to be issued a Boating Safety Certificate. A person at least 10 years of age may complete an approved boating safety course, but will not be issued a Boating Safety Certificate until age 12.

Persons required to have passed a boating safety course, must have the boating safety certificate on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever operating a vessel.