The U. S. Coast Guard classifies personal watercraft, PWC, as Class A inboard boats. That means personal watercraft are subject to the same rules and requirements as any other powerboat plus additional requirements specific to PWC.
In addition to the general regulations in effect for motorboats, PWC owners must also be aware that there are local laws and ordinances around the country that further restrict PWC operations. They include age of the operator, sunrise to sunset limitations, special no wake zone provisions, assigned operating areas and restrictions, and speed limits. Make certain you know the laws that apply to you in your area of operation.
Federal Regulations require that all personal watercraft be registered and display a registration number in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
Properly fitted, CG approved personal flotation devices (life jackets) are required for each person on board, and in most states they are required to be WORN by a PWC operator. The PFD should have an impact rating equal to, or better than, the PWC maximum speed. There must also be a CG approved, Class B-1 fire extinguisher aboard the PWC.
Many PWC have a lanyard connected to the start/stop switch. If your PWC is equipped with such a switch, it will not start unless the lanyard is attached to it. Never start your engine without attaching the lanyard to your wrist or PFD. If you fall off, the engine automatically stops running so your craft will not travel a great distance and you can easily swim to it. It will prevent the PWC from running unattended in areas populated by swimmers or other watercraft.
PWC operators need to keep in mind that a jet drive requires moving water through the drive nozzle for maneuverability. If you approach a dock, shore, or other vessel at a rapid speed and shut off the engine, you will have little or no maneuvering capability.
The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) also recommends that the operator wear eye protection, a wetsuit, footwear, and gloves.
