SPECIAL PWC
REGULATIONS
Since your PWC is a boat, almost all governmental
boating laws, regulations, and
safety standards apply.
Federal Regulations
The following federal regulations and
safety standards pertaining to the operation
and equipping of Class A boats are of
particular importance to the operator of a
PWC.
Registration and Numbering
• You must register and number a PWC.
• The hull design of a PWC requires that
registration numbers be placed high on
the bow in a prominent position (Figure
15-4).
• The rules for size of letters and numbers
and contrasting color are the same as for
all other boats.
The registration certificate must always be
aboard when underway. Laminate your
certificate so it will not get wet. If your
state requires boating safety education, also
carry proof of your operator’s qualification.
Hull Identification Number (HIN)
• Review the description of hull identification
numbers in Section 7, Government
Regulations.
• Make a note of your PWC’s hull identification
number and keep it handy.
• You will find it on the starboard side of
the transom and in another hidden location.
• It is against the law to remove or alter this
number.
• It is also a good idea to inscribe your driver’s
license number in some concealed
location on your PWC.
Maximum Capacity
• Personal watercraft are exempt from the
USCG standard requiring capacity plates
on small boats.
• Manufacturers often make recommendations
as to the number of persons and the
weight their craft can safely accommodate.
• You will find this information on the
labels of the craft and in the owner’s manual.
• Never exceed these recommendations.
However, the total combined weight of
the people and equipment may limit the
number of riders to less than the number
of seats!
• No vessel should be overloaded, including
a PWC.
An overloaded PWC will be unstable in the
water, and you will not be able to operate it
safely to avoid collisions. You can be cited
for reckless operation if you overload your
craft and operate it dangerously.
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Figure 15-4. Registration number placement