Do You Need a License to Drive a Jet Ski?
Boating season brings people of all ages to the open water. Many water enthusiasts may be excited to get on a Personal Watercraft (PWC), whether a Jet Ski, WaveRunner, or other type of PWC.
Before jumping on a PWC, ask yourself: Do you have a license? If the answer is no, you can't legally drive a PWC on U.S. waters.
What are the laws regarding operating a PWC and licensing? How do you get a license? We're answering those questions today, so keep reading!
What Does the Law Say?
Boating laws can be confusing, and understanding them and how they apply to PWCs can be even more perplexing!
Although most people wouldn't consider a PWC a "boat," by law, they are. PWCs are considered small vessels that use an inboard jet as the primary source of propulsion.
Are Jet Skis Really That Dangerous?
You probably see plenty of young people operating PWCs, so can they really that dangerous?
Yes!
PWCs are a lot of, but they can also be just as dangerous — if not more dangerous — than larger vessels. In 2023, these vessels were responsible for 19% of boating accidents, including 574 casualties.
Having a License Means You Know How to Stay Safe
Knowing how to safely operate these vessels when sharing the waterway with larger boats is imperative. Taking the boater safety course your state requires to get your boating license will help you understand how to navigate the waters safely.
Jet ski education is included in your state's NASBLA-approved boating safety course, like the ones we offer here at ilearntoboat. Each state has its own jet-ski license requirements, which are typically determined by age.
Most state requirements to drive a jet ski are determined by:
- Vessel type
- Vessel length
- Operator and Passenger Age
Make sure you understand the requirements for your state before hitting the water.
What Are the Requirements for Driving a Jet Ski?
With the knowledge from a boater safety course and your license, you're ready to hit the water on a PWC. However, you must apply that knowledge to your time on the water and operate your jet ski according to your state's requirements.
Some states have specific PWC requirements besides requiring a boating license or a boater card. These may include:
- Using an ignition safety switch.
- Operating a PWC only during certain times of the day.
- Boating at or above a certain age when riding or being towed by a PWC.
- Wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device while not allowing inflatables.
Even if your state doesn't require boater education, your insurance company might, so that will be important to know.
Learn How to Drive a Jet Ski Safely with ilearntoboat
Yes, you need a license to drive a jet ski! Taking the ilearntoboat course for your state before you head out on the water will ensure you understand how to legally drive your PWC safely. You'll also be able to get your boating license (or boater education card) after completing the course.
Our fun interactive course will save you time as it is the only course without timers! Most importantly, the real-life situations and role-playing simulations in this course will help you understand how to stay safe while you're having fun.
Ready to start learning? Choose the online course for your state and get started!
Originally published November 13, 2020. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and recency November 8, 2024.
