Operator Awareness

When you use a PWC you accept many responsibilities. Most waterways are full of obstacles, hazardous to you and your passengers. Therefore, you must use common sense and stay alert to what is happening all around you. You need both the physical capability and maturity of judgment necessary to operate your boat safely and responsibly. For this reason, there are guidelines and restrictions regarding the age at which you or anyone else may legally operate a motorboat or personal watercraft.

A boat operator is ultimately responsible for the safety of all passengers. In addition, they are responsible for all activity on the boat.

One of the most important areas of responsibility is controlling boat speed. Do not drive too fast for conditions and remember that many states have speed and proximity rules. Be sure you are aware of these. You also need to obey speed limits, wake restrictions and no-wake zones. Other boaters and people on the shore can get very angry if you come too close or too fast. In addition, such behavior is illegal.

You also are responsible for the condition of your vessel. The condition of your vessel may include the following:

• Condition of the fuel tank, fuel lines, fittings, backfire flame arrester

• Condition of the ventilation system and related parts.

• Condition of the steering system

• Condition of the muffler and exhaust system to prevent excessive noise above the sound levels allowed by the jurisdiction where you are boating.

• Condition of the boat hull, holes, cracks, unsafe condition.

• Condition of all safety and required equipment (lights, horn, emergency flares, bailing bucket etc.

Having a vessel in an unsafe condition may result in a citation being issued by a law enforcement officer and your voyage being terminated and you and your vessel being escorted to shore.

Careless, reckless or negligent operations are not permitted. These activities can lead to dangerous situations where you can be held responsible for damages. Be aware and boat responsibly.

Boaters need to respect the rights of other people who live, recreate or work on the water. The vast majority of all reported boating accidents involve operator controllable factors - operator inattention or carelessness, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and failure to maintain proper lookout. Negligent operation of a recreational boat which endangers lives or property is illegal.

Homeland Security Restrictions

Naval Protection Zone - Warning!

Do not approach within 100 yards of any U.S. naval vessel. If you need to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel you must contact the official patrol on VHF-FM channel 16. This is in order to ensure a safe passage in accordance with the Navigation Rules, You must operate at minimum speed within 500 yards of any U.S. naval vessel and proceed as directed by the Commanding Officer or the official patrol.

Violations of the Naval Vessel Protection Zone are a felony offense, punishable by up to 6 years in prison & fines of $250,000.