Laws And Regulations For Pwc Operators: What You Need Know

Personal Water Craft (PWC) are considered by the Coast Guard to be Class A inboard motor vessels and are therefore subject to a range of laws and regulations. PWCs must adhere to the same Coast Guard regulations as other powerboats in this category, such as carrying a fire extinguisher and an appropriate sound signalling device. They are also subject to USCG manufacturing and load capacity standards, and must be registered with the state. In addition, there are laws that specifically apply to PWCs, such as age restrictions for operators and requirements to wear a personal flotation device.

Age and operator restrictions

In Florida, no one under the age of 14 may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) on Florida waters at any time, even if they possess a Boating Safety Education I.D. Card. It is also illegal for the owner of a PWC to allow a person under 14 to operate one. In addition, no one under the age of 18 may rent or lease a PWC.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, is required to have completed a boating education course and have a boating education ID card and a photo identification card before operating a vessel with a motor of 10 HP or more in Florida. Identification cards for persons completing the course or the equivalency exam are valid for a lifetime. Temporary certificates are valid for 12 months from the issue date.

In other states, there are varying laws regarding the minimum age to operate a PWC. For example, some states require an adult to be on board when a minor is operating the craft, or they may require the completion of a boating safety course before a minor can legally operate a PWC.

It is important to note that PWCs are considered boats and are subject to certain regulations. They are considered Class A inboard motor vessels by the U.S. Coast Guard and must adhere to standard boating regulations. This includes complying with posted boat speed regulations and waterway signs.

Vessel registration

All vessels, with the exception of non-motor-powered vessels less than 16 feet in length, non-motor-powered canoes, kayaks, racing shells or rowing sculls, regardless of length, must be registered through your local Tax Collector's Office.

The Certificate of Registration must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the vessel is operated. Vessels must be registered and numbered within 30 days of purchase.

Registration numbers must be displayed on the forward half of the vessel on both sides above the waterline. The numbers must be bold block letters at least 3" high in a colour contrasting to the hull.

The vessel registration decal must be renewed annually and displayed within 6 inches of the registration numbers on the port (left) side.

Documented vessels without a state registration in full force and effect must also obtain a Florida registration and display the validation decal on the port side of the vessel when using Florida waters.

All PWCs must be registered according to state regulations and have a registration number displayed.

Speed restrictions

In terms of specific speed restrictions, PWC operators are required to comply with posted speed zone signs and regulations. This includes adhering to "Idle Speed - No Wake" and "Slow Speed, Minimum Wake" zones. In "Idle Speed - No Wake" zones, vessels must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain headway and steerageway. On the other hand, in "Slow Speed, Minimum Wake" zones, vessels must be operated fully off plane and settled in the water, ensuring that the wake created does not pose a hazard to other vessels.

Additionally, speed restrictions are often implemented in areas known for their manatee populations or where manatees may be present. PWC operators are required to abide by the posted speed limits in these areas to protect manatees from the harmful effects of watercraft strikes. It is worth noting that manatees are protected by state and federal law, and disturbing their normal behaviour is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment.

Furthermore, speed restrictions may also be in place near bird nesting areas to minimise disturbances to bird populations. PWC operators should be mindful of posted bird nesting areas and maintain a safe distance to avoid causing unnecessary stress to migratory birds.

Moreover, speed restrictions are often enforced near the shoreline to reduce the impact on the environment. PWC operators should refrain from operating at high speeds near the shore to minimise erosion and protect the habitats of plants and animals. Additionally, it is important to be cautious when operating near aquatic vegetation, such as sea grasses, as these areas are delicate nursery grounds for fish and other marine life.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that many states have specific regulations regarding the operation of PWCs within their borders. This includes prohibiting their use in certain lakes and boating areas or implementing geographic and time restrictions. PWC operators should familiarise themselves with the local laws and regulations pertaining to speed restrictions in their area of operation.

Boating under the influence

In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel while impaired by drugs or alcohol. A person can be convicted of BUI for operating a vessel while:

• "Affected to the extent that the person's normal faculties are impaired" by drugs, alcohol, or a combination of the two.
• Having a blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater.

The penalties for a Florida BUI depend on a number of factors, including whether the operator:

• Has prior BUI or driving under the influence (DUI) convictions.
• Had an excessive BAC.
• Had a person under 18 years old in the vessel at the time of the offence.
• Caused or contributed to an accident involving property damage, injury, or death.

Most first-offence BUIs are second-degree misdemeanours and carry from $500 to $1,000 in fines and a maximum of six months in jail. For first-offence BUIs that involve an accident, a high BAC, or a passenger under the age of 18, the penalties are more severe. If an accident involving serious injury to another person occurs, it becomes a third-degree felony, with a penalty of up to five years in prison or $5,000 in fines.

In North Carolina, BUI laws cover not only motorized boats but also water skis, surfboards, non-motorized vessels (such as a sailboat or paddleboat), and other similar devices. A person can be convicted of a BUI for either:

• Operating a vessel while under the influence of an impairing substance.
• Having "at any relevant time after boating" an alcohol concentration of .08% or more.

Most North Carolina BUIs are class 2 misdemeanours, with fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 and a maximum of 60 days in jail. In June 2016, North Carolina enacted "Sheyenne's Law", which enhanced the consequences for BUI offences involving certain aggravating factors, such as causing serious injury or death.

Personal flotation devices

The U.S. Coast Guard classifies PWCs as Class A inboard motor vessels, and as such, they must adhere to specific regulations regarding PFDs. According to U.S. Coast Guard requirements, all vessels, including PWCs, must carry a wearable, U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD for each person on board. These PFDs must be easily accessible and of the appropriate size for the intended wearer.

In addition to the general requirement for all vessels, there are specific PFD rules that apply to PWCs and their riders. Each person operating, riding on, or being towed behind a PWC is mandated to wear a non-inflatable wearable PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited for PWC use in several states, including Florida.

The importance of wearing a PFD while operating a PWC cannot be overstated. PWCs are highly manoeuvrable and can reach high speeds, increasing the risk of falling off or being ejected from the vessel. A properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved PFD can provide crucial buoyancy and help keep the wearer's head above water, potentially saving their life.

It is also important to note that PFD requirements may vary slightly depending on the state or region in which the PWC is being operated. For example, some states mandate the use of PFDs at all times while on a PWC, while others may have specific age-related requirements, such as requiring an adult to be on board when a minor is operating the craft. Therefore, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the local laws and regulations pertaining to PFDs before operating a PWC in any given area.

Frequently asked questions