Personal Watercraft

"New York State Mandatory Education"

Personal Watercraft - Minimum Age of Operation
On July 28, 2005 Governor Pataki signed a law amending Section 49, Subdivision 1-a of the Navigation Law raising the minimum age of operators of personal watercraft (PWC) to fourteen (14). This new law took effect January 1, 2006.
However, in order to minimize the impact on riders currently under the age of fourteen (14) certain allowances have been made to phase in this new law.

Until January 1, 2009, those operators age ten (10) through thirteen (13) that have a boating safety certificate may continue to operate a PWC if they are accompanied by:

someone over 18 years of age and

within 500 feet on another personal watercraft or vessel and

within sight of the personal watercraft and

holding a safety certificate of their own.

This law only affects the operation of PWC's. Anyone over the age of ten (10) that holds a boating safety certificate can still operate a motor boat alone.

Recent New York State legislation requires all operators of personal watercraft to take a boating safety course.

All operators of personal watercraft will be required to earn a safety certificate before they may operate a PWC. In addition to teaching the particulars of handling a PWC, this course will also be beneficial for any boater wishing to learn more about the rules of the road, reading buoys, boat handling, and other boating safety related topics.

Everyone must have a safety certificate to operate a P.W.C. ! ! !

Since 1/1/2004 anyone operating a PWC in New York must complete the course.

You must hold a safety certificate if:

You operate a personal watercraft, regardless of your age, in New York State.

You wish to operate a motorboat and you are at least 10 years old (14 for a PWC) and less than 18 years old.

If you are less 10 years old you may operate a motorboat (non-PWC) only if someone over 18 or someone between the ages of 10 and 18 who holds a safety certificate, is on board with you. Anyone may operate a personal watercraft if someone at least 18 years old is riding on the craft and they hold a safety certificate.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A LIST OF AVAILABLE PRO SKIPPER SAFE BOATING CLASSES

The number of Personal watercraft (PWC) operating in New York State has surged in recent years. It is easy to understand why: they're fast, turn on a dime, and put the operator right next to the water. In other words, they're a blast, and its easy to see why they've been called the motorcycles of the waterways.

Unfortunately, while personal watercraft, more commonly referred to by the trade name "Jet Ski", offers excitement and thrills, they also pose some operating challenges which often lead to accidents. While these craft comprise less than 10% of the state's registered boats, they are involved in nearly 30% of all accidents. Statistics further show that most of the operators in these accidents have no formal boating training, and very little experience on these craft.

The Law !!

For the most part, the laws that apply to all boats will also apply to personal watercraft. There are some restrictions placed on PWC however, that do not apply to other boats.

Operation of a PWC is prohibited from sunset to sunrise.

A personal flotation device (life jacket) must be worn by the operator and all passengers. A Type III PFD is recommended.

If equipped, the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the operator.

Visual distress signals and a sound signaling device (horn or whistle) must be carried.

Personal watercraft are not allowed within 500 feet of a marked swim area.

Reckless operation, defined as wake jumping, playing "chicken" and weaving in and out of congested traffic is forbidden, and constitutes a misdemeanor.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A LIST OF AVAILABLE PRO SKIPPER SAFE BOATING CLASSES

Please email us at info@proskipper.com or call us at 516-223-2660

Personal Watercraft