Personal Watercraft
Waverunner, Jet Ski and Sea-Doo are common brand names of personal watercraft (commonly abbreviated as PWC). Personal watercraft are boats less than 16 feet long which are propelled by a jet pump and are designed so that the operator rides on them, rather than in them.
These powerful machines are designed for speed and maneuverability. They are small and fast. They compare to larger watercraft much the way a motorcycle compares to larger automobiles and trucks and can be very dangerous to the operator and others if not handled cautiously and safely. Safety is the primary focus of nearly all boating laws.
Florida has laws pertaining to all types of power boats, which include personal watercraft.
In addition to the general laws, there are regulations that apply specifically to personal watercraft. Knowing and obeying them will contribute significantly to the safety and survival of everyone in the boating environment.
Regulations Specific to Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Be Safe, Have Fun
You must be at least 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft.
You must be at least 18 years old to rent one.
It is illegal to operate a personal watercraft at night.
Unsafe maneuvering like weaving through heavy boat traffic, jumping a wake too close to a boat and waiting until the last moment to swerve to avoid a collision are violations of the law.
If the personal watercraft is equipped with a cut-off lanyard, it must be utilized to stop the engine if you fall off.
You must wear a life jacket, commonly called a personal flotation device (PFD) while operating a personal watercraft.
Laws for all Powerboats
Consider Others on the Water
All powerboats must be registered through the local tax office. Registrations valid in other states are valid in Florida for 90 days.
Registration numbers must be displayed on the side of the boat and registration papers kept handy on the boat.
You may not exceed the number of passengers as stated on the boat's label.
Federal navigation laws apply in Florida.
U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements apply in Florida.
Boaters must steer clear of divers and stay out of the way of other moving boats.
Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988 must pass a boater safety course to operate a powerboat.
Do not tie your boat up to a navigation marker.
Do not operate a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Any unsafe behavior can be a violation of the law.
Do not leave the scene of an accident.
Jurisdictions and Enforcement
Local Enforcement
Wherever you operate a personal watercraft in Florida, you will most likely be subject to local regulations enforceable by local law enforcement agencies. Check with the county (and city, if you are within city limits) authorities to find out what laws apply to the area in which you plan to operate a personal watercraft. Many have designated areas where personal watercraft are not permitted.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has vast and powerful law enforcement authority throughout the state.
Any boaters' awareness of Federal and local laws, enforceable by several agencies such as the U.S, Coast Guard, Homeland Security, U.S. Customs, the County Sheriff's Office, and City Police will serve him well. I have summarized them here. Please refer to the links provided for official legal information.
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