PERSONAL WATERCRAFT LAWS

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.

Regulations of personal watercraft (PWC) and specialty prop-craft

The operator of a PWC must be 14 years of age or older and must successfully complete a boating safety education course to operate a PWC in NYS.

Until January 1, 2009, those operators age ten (10) through thirteen (13) that have a boating safety certificate may continue to operate a PWC if they are accompanied by someone over 18 years of age holding a safety certificate of their own. Accompanied for this section of law shall mean the adult must be within 500 feet, on another PWC or vessel, and within sight of the PWC.

• each person riding on such vessel is wearing a securely fastened USCG approved personal flotation device.
• the operator must attach the safety cut-off lanyard to his or her person, clothing, or personal flotation device as is appropriate for the specific vessel,
• may only be operated from sunrise to sunset and during periods of unrestricted visibility.

All PWC and speciality prop-craft must have the following:

• a USCG approved backfire flame arrestor.
• Under federal rules, a USCG-approved fire extinguisher is required
• at least two ventilators fitted with cowls or their equivalent for the purpose of properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of every engine and fuel tank compartment in order to remove any inflammable or explosive gases provided, however, if the vessel is so constructed as to have the greater portion of the bilges under the engine and fuel tanks open and exposed to the natural atmosphere at all times such vessel need not be required to be fitted with such ventilators; and
• an efficient sound producing mechanical appliance, except sirens, capable of producing a blast of two seconds or more in duration and of such strength as to be heard plainly for a distance of at least one-half mile in still weather; and

• a fluorescent-orange distress flag which shall be a minimum of one foot square or other appropriate United States Coast Guard approved visual distress signal.

500-foot, 10 MPH Rule

PWC or a specialty prop-craft may not operate within 500 feet of a designated swim area, should a designate access site exist within the 500-foot exclusion area, PWC may access and exit at no more than 10 mph.

Every PWC and specialty prop-craft shall at all times be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner. Maneuvers which unreasonably or unnecessarily endanger life, limb, or property shall constitute reckless operation of a vessel, including, but not limited to:

• weaving through congested vessel traffic, or
• jumping the wake of another vessel unreasonably or unnecessarily close to such other vessel or when visibility around such other vessel is obstructed, or
• swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision