A personal watercraft, aka jet ski or PWC, looks like an easy, breezy way to have fun on the water. It is definitely breezy fun, but there’s an element of risk to operating such a fast-moving vessel. Diminish the risk though education and utilizing all available safety features.
Whether it’s a sit-down or stand-up model carrying one person or more, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) classifies every PWC as an inboard motor vessel subject to regulation. The federal regulations extend to the operator and the PWC; in addition, PWCs and their operators are subject to state and/or municipal laws.
While states and localities differ when it comes to registration, age minimums, hours of operation, shoreline distances, and education certification, all PWC operators are subject to federal regulations and must protect self, respect the environment, and reject cutting corners.
Life jackets are a must, but not just any jackets will do. PWC operators and passengers must wear USCG approved jackets designed to withstand the rigors of watersports. Look for ones that are comfortable, have multiple fasteners for security, and a ring to clip on the vessel’s safety cutoff (more below). Don’t use an inflatable model on a PWC as it’s likely to get wet and go off.
Many PWCs are designed to cut off the engine when no one’s in control via a clip attached to both the vessel’s ignition and the operator. When the distance between your wrist or life jacket increases (because you’ve gone over), the clip pulls out and disables the engine. Absent this safety feature, the PWC should keep circling until you can get back aboard.
If the PWC does not come with a marine-rated fire extinguisher, the operator must add this. The same goes for a loud whistle or horn, along with a reflective mirror and a distress flag.
Unless a state law creates a different time frame, PWCs may not be operated during times of restricted visibility: between sunset and sunrise (some states carve out exceptions for navigating after dark).
Like any other watercraft new to you, classroom (or online) boater education must be combined with hands-on learning. A PWC doesn’t maneuver with a rudder, so it can’t be steered unless the jet pump is operating. While your untrained instinct would be to release the throttle to avoid a hazard, the PWC must be moving to turn. That’s where practice makes you a better and safer operator.
Part of the appeal of a PWC is its speed, yet the faster you go, the less time you have to react. Therefore, an operator must always be alert, scanning the water for potential perils, and adjust speed as each situation warrants. While jumping wakes is enjoyable, stay far behind the boat and make sure you’re visible. Some states prohibit wake jumping or set a limit of 100 feet (or more) from the boat. Observe all “no wake” and speed zones, and exercise additional caution and restraint in high-traffic areas.
Along with personal safety and accident avoidance, PWC operators should be courteous of their surroundings and respectful of the environment. Riding continuously along a shoreline, even if permitted, subjects residents to constant engine noise. The same goes for riding by a populated anchorage.
The closer you get to shore, or the shallower the water, the more likely it is that the PWC will disturb marine line and vegetation. Operate in deep water as much as possible so you don’t disturb plant and marine life. A bonus of respect for wildlife is avoiding damage to your PWC, as the forcing in of water to power a jet ski can also suck in mud, sea grass, or sand, clogging and potentially damaging the impeller.
Since PWCs are portable, many operators travel from one body of water to another with ease. In order to prevent potentially harmful aquatic hitchhikers from making the trip with you, vigorously scrub away mud, plants, and anything else clinging to your vessel. Clean and dry everything that came in contact with the water, including you and your clothing.
Boater’s guide to the federal requirements for recreational boats:
https://www.uscgboating.org/images/420.PDF
