LAWS AND REGULATIONS FOR PWC OPERATION IN CONNECTICUT
Do not underestimate PWCs – they are very powerful for their small size and demand the same respect as any boat. In fact, PWC operation must adhere to the same rules and regulations as any other powerboat – including registration with the state and a B-1 class fire extinguisher aboard. Plus PWCs have some additional requirements:
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The operator as well as all passengers of a PWC must be wearing a PFD at ALL times. Inflatable PFD’s are not approved for PWC’s.
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No person operating a PWC may jump the wake of another vessel in such a manner that the watercraft completely leaves the water when within 100 feet of the vessel creating the wake
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No person shall operate a PWC at a speed in excess of ‘slow no-wake’ within 200 feet of shore, any dock, pier, float, or anchored or moored vessel, except for the purpose of landing or taking off a person being towed, in which case the “no wake” distance from said objects is reduced to 100 feet.
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No passenger is permitted to ride in front of the PWC operator.
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Any passenger on a PWC must be able to plant their feet firmly on the floor deck of the vessel.
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No person shall operate a PWC equipped with a “kill switch” unless the device is attached via a lanyard to the operator in such a manner that it will shut off the machine should the operator become ejected.
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No person shall tow a water skier or tuber from a PWC unless the PWC has all the following:
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a capacity label affixed by the manufacturer indicating a carrying capacity of at least three persons (check the Connecticut Boater’s Guide for exact measurements),
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handholds at or near the rear of the seat suitable for use by a rearward facing observer, and
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an observer at least 12 years of age facing the skier at all times. The operator, skier and observer must obey all other water-ski rules.
