PERSONAL WATERCRAFT LAW

• Each person on a PWC must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD. An Inflatable PFD may not be used to meet this requirement.
• PWC operators must carry a USCG-approved fire extinguisher.
• It is illegal to operate a PWC from sunset to sunrise.
• It Is Illegal to exceed the capacity recommendations of a PWC.
• May be operated by a person 18 years old or older without age or supervision restrictions.
• May be operated by a person 16 through 17 years of age provided the operator has completed a boating education course accepted by Utah State Parks and Recreation and has in his possession the certificate issued by the course provider.
• May be operated by a person 12 through 15 years of age provided the operator has completed a boating education course accepted by Utah State Parks and Recreation, has in his possession the certificate issued by the course provider, and is under the direct supervision of a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.
• A person less than 18 years of age who does not meet the above requirements may not operate a PWC unless accompanied on board and directly supervised by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.

Definition of Direct Supervision

Direct supervision means sight at a distance within which unaided, visual contact is maintained by the adult responsible for the minor boat operator.

Liability Insurance

All PWCs must carry proof of liability insurance while in operation on Utah waters. Minimum liability insurance requirements are $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death, $15,000 property damage; and $65,000 per accident. Nonresident owners are exempt if the PWC is in Utah for less than 90 days a year, unless the owner’s home state also requires insurance coverage. Utah State Parks strongly recommends that ALL boat owners carry liability insurance on their boats.