Riding a Waverunner in the Chesapeake Bay—Here’s How to Avoid a Ticket





Given that summer is the time for watersports, I just wrote a post about waverunners. Definitely check it out to see the hottest new Yamaha VX Series, and, of course, stop by Pete’s Cycles to see the other models we carry.

For all those with jet skis, there’s a good chance you will be riding on the Chesapeake Bay this summer, if not riding on it exclusively. People are always wondering what the rules and regulations are for riding on the Bay. Well, here you go. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Personal Watercraft Safety (PWC) Regulations are:

YOU MUST...
·         Be at least 16 years of age to operate.
·         Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
·         Carry a certificate of boater safety education if born on or after July 1, 1972.
·         Maintain 6 knots or slower within 100 feet of another PWC, vessel, shore, pier, piling, bridge structure, abutment or people in the water
·         Have PWC equipped with an operating self-circling device or kill switch.

YOU MAY NOT...
·         Operate above idle speed in water less than 18 inches in depth
·         Operate between sunset and sunrise.
·         Jump, or attempt jumping, the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of that vessel.
·         Operate within 300 feet of people in the water or surf fishing activities in the Atlantic Ocean.
·         Disturb waterfowl and wildlife.
·         Operate in a reckless and/or negligent manner.


Also, the Department of Natural Resources states that, “In Maryland, all registered PWC must display a Maryland PWC Regulations Sticker on their craft. An individual may not operate or give permission to operate a PWC unless this sticker, approved by the Natural Resources Police, is attached properly.”

Visit the page here to learn more. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/safety/pwc.asp

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