Safety Tips

Riding Rules for Personal Watercraft

A personal watercraft is a boat, and you're the captain. You are legally in command of a powerboat, and you're bound by the boating rules of the road as well as the laws and traditions of safe boating.

Legal Requirements

The U.S. Coast Guard classifies personal watercraft (PWC) as Class A inboard boats. That means PWC are subject to most of the same rules and requirements as any other. There are a few laws that apply specifically to PWCs and PWC operators in Ohio.

• Equipment:
  • Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) must be worn by each person on board. Choose a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD and wear it.
  • State of Ohio equipment laws require you to have a fire extinguisher on board.
  • Many craft have a lanyard connected to the start/stop switch. If you fall off, the engine automatically stops so your craft won't travel far from you, and you can swim to it easily. Ohio law requires that you attach the engine cut-off lanyard to you, your clothing, or your PFD.
  • It is also recommended that each rider wear eye protection, a wetsuit, footwear, and gloves.
• No Alcohol or Drugs: Don't operate your personal watercraft under the influence of anything but your good judgment. Alcohol and drugs reduce your ability to make quick decisions and handle your craft in all situations. Many laws pertaining to driving under the influence are also enforced on the water.
• Local Ordinances: It's your responsibility to know and follow local laws and ordinances regarding use of your watercraft. Common restrictions that vary by waterway or municipality include no wake zones, assigned operating areas, and speed limits.

Think Safe -- Ride Safe

• Right of way: Follow basic boating guidelines. Sailboats, commercial vessels, and fishing vessels always have the right of way. Stay to the right when approaching an oncoming craft, so that it passes on your left side. When overtaking another boat, pass on the right or left, but stay clear. If you're about to cross paths with another boat, the craft on the right has the right of way. Slow down to let the boat on your right continue its course, then pass behind it.
• Awareness: Constantly look about for traffic on the water, and especially near you. Know where other boats are and where they're heading before you make a turn or cross a wake.
• Wake jumping: If your course takes you across the wake of another boat, make sure your visibility is not obstructed by that boat. Stay far enough behind it so that you can see if other traffic is coming your way.
• Operating speed: Follow local regulations regarding speed limits, whether posted or not. In congested areas, lower your speed. Realize that because of the design of the engine on your PWC, when you reduce your speed, you reduce your maneuverability. Be cautious.
• Passengers and guests: Never carry more than the maximum passenger load specified for your craft. If you loan a craft to a friend, make sure he is of legal operating age, has fulfilled Ohio's Mandatory Education Requirement, and that he knows how to operate your craft. Make sure he is fully aware of these safe boating rules and navigation "Rules of the Road."
• Maintenance: Check your craft internally and externally before you get on the water. Make sure the throttle and all switches are working properly, that fuel and battery lines are properly connected, that no fuel is leaking, and that cables and steering are functioning.

Considerations

• Launch ramp etiquette: Be considerate and efficient when launching your personal watercraft. Prepare your craft beforehand, and perform all safety checks before you get to the water. Launch quickly and quietly.
• Noise: PWCs emit a whine that can be annoying to anglers, swimmers, and other boaters. Don't operate in one area too long. Be considerate of waterfront property owners and others near and on the water. Excessive noise from a poorly maintained or modified exhaust system disturbs others and is illegal in many areas.
• Environment: Respect ecologically sensitive areas. Don't spill fuel or oil and don't leave litter or other pollutants where they don't belong. Don't operate in shallow water where your drive will churn up sediment and disrupt wildlife. Be sensitive to marine life; the water is their home.
• Other water enthusiasts: Personal watercraft riders must share the waterways with other boaters, fishermen, swimmers, surfers, and skiers, so respect their rights to safety, access, and use of the water.

Remember to ride responsibly! It's up to you to use your good judgment and to obey all local ordinances that apply to you and your watercraft.

Know Before You Go!

• Know your craft and how it operates
• Know your local boating laws
• Know navigational marks and signs
• Know the rules of the road