Ready to have some fun in the sun? Before you head to the water on your new boat, jet ski or personal watercraft (PWC), be sure that you\u2019re not breaking any local boating laws. Although some of the laws are obvious, there are also very specific requirements pertaining to PWCs and boats.<\/p>\n
Do I need boat insurance if I’m just riding a jet ski? Is there a difference between that and jet ski insurance?<\/strong><\/p>\n First of all, see if you\u2019ll need to register your watercraft. If it\u2019s longer than 8 feet in length, California requires your PWC or boat to be registered at the DMV. The following are exceptions:<\/p>\n \u2022 Vessels only propelled by oars or paddles In California, you\u2019re not required to have boat insurance or have a boater\u2019s license, however, similar to driving an automobile, there is a minimum age required to operate certain water vehicles.<\/p>\n \u2022 You must be at least 16 years old to operate a water vehicle by yourself. Is boat insurance required by law? Is jet ski insurance required by law?<\/strong><\/p>\n While boat insurance or jet ski insurance are not required by the law, it is highly advisable since it comes with a measure of risk. In the event of a collision or damage to the vehicle or to yourself and others, jet ski insurance (also known as PWC Insurance) offers similar coverage to an automobile:<\/p>\n \u2022 Collision General requirements for boats, jet skis, and other watercraft<\/strong><\/p>\n One PWC specific legal requirement is that all PWCs be equipped with a lanyard cutoff switch, where the lanyard is connected\/attached to the person operating the vehicle. The laws regarding PWC and boat operation are mainly concerned with safety for passengers, yourself, and bystanders:<\/p>\n \u2022 No PWCs or operation after dark (between sunset and sunrise) Much of the time, you won\u2019t have to worry about speed limits on your PWC or boat. However, for areas that have posted speed limits, be sure to obey all signs. In addition to state laws, there may be county or city specific laws, so be sure to familiarize yourself with them.<\/p>\n What equipment do I need to operate a boat, jet ski, or other personal watercraft (PWC)?<\/strong><\/p>\n Lastly, some equipment that\u2019s required while operating a PWC and boat are:<\/p>\n \u2022 Type B fire extinguisher If you\u2019re operating a PWC or will have passengers with you, it\u2019s encouraged to look into getting boat insurance or jet ski insurance quotes. The coverage may help protect you from liability issues in case of an accident.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Non-motorized sailboats that are 8 feet in length (most jet skis, wave runners)
\n\u2022 Surfboards or sailboards
\n\u2022 A ship’s lifeboat (does not include dinghies)
\n\u2022 Vessels currently registered in another state (if used primarily outside California)<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 If you have supervision on board by someone at least 18 years of age, you can be between 12-15 years old to operate any type of motorboat that uses more than 15 horsepower or sailboats over 30 feet.
\n\u2022 There are no age restrictions for being a passenger.
\n\u2022 California state law requires all children under 13 years of age to wear a life jacket while on board a boat or watercraft that is 26 feet or less, including PWCs.
\n\u2022 Anyone on a jet ski, wave runner, being towed behind a vessel, or other personal watercraft (PWC), must wear a life jacket
\n\u2022 You should also be sure to carry enough life jackets for anyone on board a boat, and make sure they\u2019re readily accessible.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Liability
\n\u2022 Comprehensive
\n\u2022 Medical
\n\u2022 On-water towing and labor
\n\u2022 Emergency<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 The legal Blood Alcohol Limit for someone operating the watercraft is <0.08%
\n\u2022 It is illegal to be intoxicated by alcohol or drugs while operating the watercraft
\n\u2022 Limit your speed to 5 mph anytime you\u2019re within 100 feet of a swimmer or 200 feet of shore, swimming float, diving platform or landing<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Whistle or horn
\n\u2022 Visual distress signals (flares)
\n\u2022 Life jackets<\/p>\n