Personal watercraft (PWC) are defined as vessels less than 16 feet in length that use an inboard engine powering a water jet pump as their primary source of propulsion, designed to be operated by a person sitting, kneeling, or standing in other than the conventional manner of boat operation. These boats are fast and maneuverable and can be operated in relatively shallow water.

PWC operators are involved in a disproportionate number of boating accidents. Collisions are the most common type of accident reported and they are usually caused by the operator not keeping a proper lookout or operating the boat in a reckless manner. Many of these accidents are caused by people new to PWC operation, and nearly all of these accidents are avoidable.

Personal watercraft are boats. They must follow the same laws and regulations as other boaters. Pennsylvania regulations require that PWC operators must:

• Wear life jackets at all times. All passengers must also wear life jackets. Inflatable life jackets are not acceptable.
• Carry a fully charged fire extinguisher on board.
• Carry a sound-producing device on board.
• Attach the kill switch safety lanyard to clothing, body or life jacket.

Furthermore, it is illegal:

• For anyone to operate a PWC without having in one’s possession a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
• To rent a PWC to anyone 15 years of age or younger. No one less than 16 years of age may operate a rented PWC.
• To operate a PWC from sunset to sunrise.
• To tow a water skier behind a PWC with a capacity of two people or fewer, and to tow more than one skier.
• For anyone 11 years of age or younger to operate a PWC.
• For anyone 12 through 15 years of age to operate a PWC with any passengers on board 15 years of age or younger.

• Jet pump propulsion, which eliminates a rudder or exposed propeller.
• A steerable nozzle is located at the stern of the boat.
• A cutoff switch and safety lanyard, which stops the engine when the operator falls off the PWC.
• PWC are highly maneuverable. Releasing the throttle (or slowing the engine) usually eliminates the ability to steer the craft.

PWC operators should be responsible and considerate of others around them. Noise is the most common complaint against PWC operators. A PWC must be equipped with an efficient muffling system in good working order. The muffling system cannot be bypassed or altered.

Everyone who operates a PWC should read the owner’s manual and become familiar with the craft before going out on the water. Practice is essential for safe PWC operation. PWC operators should remember to connect the safety lanyard to both the cutoff switch on the PWC and life jacket, body or clothing. If the operator falls off, he should reboard the craft from the rear. Look for the decal on the rear of the PWC to determine the direction in which to roll it back to an upright position. PWCs have both “main” and “reserve” fuel tanks. Switch the fuel selector on your craft to “reserve” when the “main” tank has been used and head to shore to refuel. Safety gear is not required by law, but advisable for PWC operators. It includes gloves, eye protection, footwear and wetsuit or dry suit for protection against cold water.