|
 |
HOME >
FISHING >
SALTWATER >
REGULATIONS >
FLORIDA BOATING
> PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
SALTWATER FISHING
Personal Watercraft
Each person operating, riding on, or
being towed behind a personal watercraft
must wear an approved non-inflatable
Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation
device. Inflatable personal flotation
devices are prohibited.
The operator of a personal watercraft
must attach the engine cutoff switch
lanyard (if equipped by the
manufacturer) to his/her person,
clothing, or PFD.
Personal watercraft may not be operated
from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour
before sunrise.
Maneuvering a personal watercraft by
weaving through congested vessel
traffic, jumping the wake of another
vessel unreasonably close or when
visibility around the vessel is
obstructed, or swerving at the last
possible moment to avoid collision is
classified as reckless operation of a
vessel (a first-degree misdemeanor).
A person must be at least 14 years of
age to OPERATE a personal watercraft in
this state.
A person must be at least 18 years of
age to RENT a personal watercraft in
this state.
It is unlawful for a person to knowingly
allow a person less than 14 years of age
to operate a personal watercraft (a
second-degree misdemeanor).
Federal Regulations require that
all personal watercraft:
- Be registered and display a
registration number in accordance
with state and federal guidelines.
- Have properly fitted, CG
approved personal flotation devices
(life jackets) for each person on
board (In most states they are
required to be WORN by a PWC
operator or passenger.)
- PFDs should have an impact
rating equal to, or better than, the
PWC maximum speed
- Have a CG approved, Class B-1
fire extinguisher aboard the PWC
- Have a lanyard connected to the
start/stop switch if your PWC is
equipped with such a switch. This
will stop the engine if the operator
falls off.
- The Personal Watercraft Industry
Association (PWIA) also recommends
that the operator wear eye
protection, a wetsuit, footwear, and
gloves.
|
|
|
|
