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Hours of Operation

Many areas have "Hours of Operation" regulations. Most states prohibit PWC operation after dusk. The regulations are designed to reduce accidents and injuries. These rules may apply to all boats or only certain types such as power driven vessels, or PWCs. The purpose is to improve boating safety and/or to reduce noise during certain hours.

While PWCs are classified as boats and are subject to the same rules and regulations there are some significant differences. Below on the left are general boating guidelines for nighttime operation. On the right are PWC guidelines. You'll see how they differ.

Boating Guidelines

PWC Guidelines

Night Time
Recreational boats are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility.

Night Time
Most states have laws prohibiting PWC nighttime operation. Some states do not directly prohibit night operation but the USPS, Coast Guard Auxiliary and PWCSafetySchool.com strongly recommend against it, for safety reasons. In areas where night operation is not prohibited PWCs must use the same navigational lights as any other vessel.

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