Florida law prohibits anyone under the age of 14 from operating a personal watercraft. … According to Florida law, a whistle or horn must be aboard all vessels. 9. The engine cutoff switch (kill switch) lanyard is important for the operator to wear because it is required by law.
In addition to adhering to all boating laws, PWC operators have requirements specific to their watercraft. Each person riding on or being towed behind a PWC must wear a USCG”approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD that is suitable for PWC operations. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited when riding on or being towed behind a PWC.
What safety equipment is required on a PWC in Florida?
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Personal Watercraft (PWC): Everyone on or operating a PWC must wear an approved Type I, II, III or V PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited. Water Skier: Every person skiing or aquaplaning must wear an approved Type I, II or III PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited.
How many seats are required on a PWC?
There must be at least two people in, or on, any pleasure craft used for waterskiing or towing a person; one to steer and one to watch the skier. If a PWC is used for waterskiing or towing it must be one that seats three people.
What is required to be on a PWC?
Your PWC must be equipped with a marine-rated fire extinguisher and emergency signaling devices. All PWCs must be registered according to state regulations, and have a registration number displayed. … Each PWC has an attached capacity plate that states what you may carry.
How old do you have to be to not wear a life jacket in Florida?
Children under six years of age must wear a USCG”approved life jacket at all times while on any vessel less than 26 feet in length that is underway upon Florida waters. (“Underway” means any time except when the vessel is anchored, moored, docked, or aground.)
Each person on a PWC or being towed by a PWC must wear a USCG approved PFD type I, II, III or V. Inflatable PFD are prohibited for personal watercraft use. The law requires anyone operating a PWC equipped with a lanyard cut-off switch to attach the lanyard to his or her person, clothing or life jacket.
How far should a PWC stay from large ships in Florida?
A: Boaters should keep their distance from all military, cruise line, or commercial shipping. Do not approach within 100 yards, and slow to minimum speed within 500 yards of any U.S. naval vessel.
Can you operate a PWC at night in Florida?
Personal watercraft may not be operated from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, even if navigation lights are used. Remember, both federal and state law requires the use of navigation lights from sunset to sunrise.
Is a fire extinguisher required on a PWC?
All vessels, including PWC, are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher on board if one or more of the following conditions exist: Closed compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored. Closed storage compartments in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored. Closed living spaces.
What should you always do when starting your PWC?
Do you need a license to ride a jetski in Florida?
Anyone born on or after January 1st, 1988 is required by law to have a boating license permit to operate a personal watercraft in the state of Florida.
Can you operate a PWC at night?
Hours of Operation: PWC may only be operated from sunrise to sunset. Age Requirements: PWC operators in California must be at least sixteen years old in order to operate without adult supervision.
Do PWC need to be registered?
Do Jet Skis Have to be Registered? Yes, jet skis have to be registered if they’re operated on public waterways. Since the U.S. Coast Guard considers jet skis Class-A inboard boats, it means they have to be registered in the same way as any other motorized boats.
Does PWC require registration?
Which boats and personal watercraft must be registered? The following vessels must be registered to occupy NSW navigable waters: power-driven vessels with an engine power rating of 4.0 kilowatts or more (greater than 5 horsepower) … personal watercraft (PWC)