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.

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

Recreational boaters have a role in keeping our waterways and harbors safe and secure.

• If you need to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. Naval vessel you must contact the U.S. Naval vessel or the Coast Guard escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16.



• Observe and avoid all security zones. Avoid commercial port operation areas, especially those areas involving military, cruise-line or petroleum facilities, or operations. Observe and avoid other restricted areas like those around power plants and dams.



• Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in narrow channels.

Report all activities that seem suspicious to the local law enforcement or the U.S. Coast Guard.