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Personal Watercraft
Federal Regulations require that all personal watercraft:
- be registered and display a registration number in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
- have properly fitted, CG approved personal flotation devices (life jackets) for each person on board (In most states they are required to be WORN by a PWC operator or passenger.)
- PFDs should have an impact rating equal to, or better than, the PWC maximum speed
- have a CG approved, Class B-1 fire extinguisher aboard the PWC
- have a lanyard connected to the start/stop switch if your PWC is equipped with such a switch. This will stop the engine if the operator falls off.
- The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) also recommends that the operator wear eye protection, a wetsuit, footwear, and gloves.
Many PWC have a lanyard connected to the start/stop switch. If your PWC is equipped with such a switch, it will not start unless the lanyard is attached to it.
Never start your engine without attaching the lanyard to your wrist or PFD. If you fall off, the engine automatically stops running so your craft will not travel a great distance and you can easily swim to it. It will prevent the PWC from running unattended in areas populated by swimmers or other watercraft.
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Boating Basics Glossary