PWC License – Exploding the Myths Regarding Licensure and Correct Operation

 

There’s a common myth that says you don’t need a PWC licence (also known as a Jet Ski license) to operate a Jet Ski or other personal watercraft. While requirements differ from state to state, many states require anyone driving this type of watercraft to obtain a PWC license. PWC’s are safer for swimmers and wildlife, since their propulsion systems do not have external propellers, and they are also small, swift, easily handled, quite easy to use and reasonably priced.

 

Here are the requirements of a few states regarding a PWC license:

 

Recreational boaters must attain a Safe Boating Certificate in order to drive any leisure vessel registered in Connecticut, with the exception of personal watercraft. To operate personal watercraft, a boater needs to obtain a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation. As a PWC operator, you will also need to take an approved personal watercraft class.

 

A person cannot operate a personal watercraft on the waters within the boundaries of the State of Arizona unless he or she has been issued a PWC license. In order to get a PWC license, the operator must be at least fourteen years of age, and pass a written examination. The license must be kept on the watercraft whenever it is in operation, so it can be shown to Coast Guard or police officers on demand.

 

All personal watercraft must display valid registration decals and registration numbers on both sides of the forward half of the machine. The watercraft license card must be on board at all times while the craft is in use. Anyone operating or riding on a personal watercraft is required to wear a Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V lifejacket or personal flotation device.

 

Whether your state requires a PWC license or not, you should take time to learn about your machine and boating safety.