WHAT IS A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT?
A personal watercraft (sometimes called PWC or by brand names such as Jet Ski, Wave Runner, Sea Doo, etc.) is defined by law as:
 a motorboat powered by an inboard motor powering a jet pump or by an outboard or propeller driven motor
is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the craft, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside a motorboat
Personal watercraft are considered motorboats under the law so they must follow all of the
regulations that govern other motorboats.
In addition, personal watercraft:
Are required to have a rules decal, provided at no charge by the DNR, in full view of the operator.
Operators and passengers must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device (life vest).
Are required to carry a USCG approved fire extinguisher.
Must travel at slow-no wake speed (5 mph or less) within 150 feet of:
Shore (except when a PWC is launching or landing a water skier by the most direct route to open water)
Docks, swimmers, swimming rafts, any moored or anchored watercraft, or nonmotorized watercraft.
Cutoff lanyards must be properly used and attached to the person, life vest or clothing of the operator.
May only operate between 9:30 a.m. and one hour before sunset (see sunset schedule).
You may not:
Chase or harass wildlife.
Operate while facing backward.
Operate in a way that endangers life, limb or property.
Operate a personal watercraft if the spring-loaded throttle mechanism has been removed or tampered with so it interferes with the return-to-idle system.
Weave through congested watercraft traffic or jump the wake of another watercraft within 150 feet of the other boat.
Travel through emergent or floating vegetation at greater than a slow no wake speed.
AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR PERSONAL WATERCRAFT:
Less than 13 years of age:
Cannot operate, even with adult on board.
13 years of age:
Must either have:
someone at least 21 years of age on board, or
a watercraft operator’s permit and be in continuous visual observation by someone at least 21
14-17 years of age:
Must either have:
a watercraft operator’s permit, or
someone at least 21 on board
It is unlawful for a PWC owner to permit its operation in violation of the age restrictions.
Contact the MN DNR at the address at the end of this pamphlet or contact the Otter Tail Sheriff’s Office for home-study materials for a youth watercraft operator’s permit.
SALES & RENTAL
Personal watercraft dealers are required to distribute a summary of the laws governing PWC operation. Upon request by a purchaser, they must also provide instruction regarding the laws and safe operation of the craft.
People who provide PWCs for rent must also provide a summary of the personal watercraft laws and instruction for the safe operation of the craft.
PWC dealers and rental operations are required to keep a signature record of people who buy or rent PWCs, acknowledging they have been provided a copy of the PWC laws and rules.
People under the age of 18 who rent PWCs must show their watercraft operator’s permit before renting a PWC and the rental agency must record this information on the signature record.
Rental operators must also supply a U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest to everyone who rents a PWC.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Boat and Water Safety Section
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155-4046
Ph: 651-259-5400, 1-888-646-6367 / TTY 651-296-5484, 1-800-657-3929
- This is only a summary of the laws as of January 2010 -
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