Although there are many ways to enjoy the water, one of the most exciting is on a jet ski.
A jet ski is a small boat that boasts quick speeds and agile movement on the water.
Because of its tiny size, many people prefer to own a jet ski over larger boats because they’re easier to store.
However, because jet skis are personal watercraft, they still fall under the same category as other boats.
Here’s what you need to know about whether you need a license to drive a jet ski or not.
Do You Need A Jet Ski License?
Yes, in many states, you do need a boating license if you want to drive a jet ski.
While not every state requires a boating license to drive a jet ski, most of them do.
Even if your state doesn’t require you to have a license, it’s a good idea to get one.
That’s because the boat license goes over how to operate the craft as well as the safety guidelines of driving on the water.
It can help you become a safer driver and give you knowledge of what to do during an emergency.
It also ensures that if you go vacationing somewhere that does require a boat license, then you already have what you need.
If you plan on driving a jet ski on the water, in most cases, you’re going to need a boat license to do so.
What Do You Need To Drive A Jet Ski?
Besides needing a boat license to drive a jet ski on the water, there are a few things that the coast guard also requires of you.
These things are specifically for operating a jet ski.
These items include:
- A US Coast Guard-approved life jacket
- Safety lanyard
- Boat license
Because jet skis are a lot smaller than other boats on the water, their riders are the ones who tend to get killed or seriously injured during a crash.
It’s also easy to fall off of a jet ski if you’re learning how to operate it for the first time.
Because of that, the coast guard wants you to wear a life jacket that’s Coast Guard-approved.
This means that the life jacket isn’t inflatable.
Inflatable jackets have a risk of leaking during an accident which won’t help anyone stay afloat.
Anyone who is operating or on a jet ski needs to wear a life jacket.
You also need to wear a safety lanyard.
Most people think of lanyards as hanging around their neck and holding their keys or some sort of pass.
A safety lanyard is a little different.
It connects to your wrist or lifejacket and remains attached to the jet ski.
Because it’s easy to fall off a jet ski, the safety lanyard is connected to a kill switch on the vessel.
This ensures that the vehicle shuts down and doesn’t drift away from you via the water’s current.
When you resurface, you’re right there next to the jet ski and able to get back on top of it.
This is safer since it means you won’t find yourself stranded in the water with your jet ski zooming off miles away.
Finally, you’ll need your boat license with you when you’re operating the jet ski.
That’s because the coast guard and other enforcement individuals will stop people now and then to check their licenses.
If you don’t have your license on you, then you may be subject to fines and other legal punishments.
What Regulations Are There For Jet Skis?
Besides needing a boat license, there are two other regulations that vary from state to state.
One is the operating hours of jet skis on the water.
Jet skis, like other boats, are loud.
Because of that, they’re only able to operate on the water during certain parts of the day.
Usually, it goes from a few hours after sunrise and either at sunset or just before.
The exact hours may differ from state to state or even from waterway to waterway.
For example, the hours might be 9 to 6 at one lake but 10 to 4 at another lake in the same state.
Operating hours are usually posted in the docking area.
If you choose to drive your jet ski around outside of these hours, then you may have the coast guard called on you.
The usual complaint is a noise one.
You’ll receive a warning if your record is clear unless the coast guard is having a bad day.
Then you might receive a fine.
Like everyone else, you can only operate your jet ski within a set number of hours per the lake’s rules.
The other regulation to keep in mind is the age of your riders.
In general, there isn’t an age limit how who can ride the jet ski with you.
This does change depending on your state, however.
Some states may make it illegal for anyone under two or five to ride as a passenger on a jet ski.
Other states are fine with it.
Because of that, you need to know the specific law in your area to determine who can and can’t ride with you on the jet ski.
If you plan on renting a jet ski, then it’s also worth knowing that they might also have their own policies regarding the age of a rider.
They may not allow toddlers or young children at all for safety concerns.
Can Children Ride On Jet Skis?
Because the regulations vary when it comes to jet skis and children, it’s worth looking at them closer.
In most states, children are able to ride jet skis regardless of their age.
They rely on the good sense of the parent to ensure their child is safe while doing so.
That includes having them wear a well-fitted life jacket and safety lanyard.
Not wearing either can lead to serious and even deadly consequences.
For example, it’s easy for anyone to fall off a jet ski.
When that happens, if the child isn’t wearing a safety lanyard, then it can be hard to find them.
If the water has a strong current or it’s a windy day, the waves might be choppy.
This can make finding your child even more difficult.
The problem becomes even worse if they’re not wearing a life jacket.
That’s also why some jet ski manufacturers have a recommended height for passengers.
They usually state that the passenger should be able to reach the footwell on the craft.
If they’re not able to reach the footwell, then they’re not going to be sitting on the jet ski securely.
This means that they’re more likely to fall or slide off.
The footwells give added balance and security to both passengers and operators.
Some parents may believe that their child is too young to be a passenger if they’re not able to reach the footwell.
This also means that it can be difficult to place an age for children to ride as passengers.
That’s because children grow at different rates.
One two-year-old might have had an early growth spurt and can easily reach the footwell.
Another two-year-old might still be quite small and unable to reach the footwell.
If there were a law that stated two-year-olds can ride on a jet ski, then one of the children can safely do so while the other can’t.
Because of that, it’s a good idea for parents to determine their child’s safety by their height and weight rather than their age.
Can Children Be Observers On A Jet Ski?
If you’re using your jet ski to tow a tube or some other floatation device for fun, then it’s a good idea to have an observer.
An observer sits on the back of the jet ski and has the task of watching those on the tube.
If they fall out, signal they’re done, or signal that something is wrong, then the observer informs the driver.
It’s difficult for the driver to keep tabs on those in the tube because they’re focused on driving.
If they were to keep looking behind them, then they’re at risk of driving into someone or crashing on the shore.
The observer has an important role in ensuring everyone’s safety and making sure that the driver is aware of any changes.
This allows the driver to then make the appropriate and safe decisions from there.
Because of the importance of the role of the observer, many states have laws about the age of the observer.
In most cases, they do not let children be observers.
That’s because the observer needs to be able to recognize signs of distress from those being towed by the jet ski.
A child may not be able to recognize these signs and may instead think those in the tube are having fun.
They may also fail to make the driver aware of the problems that those in the tube are experiencing.
As such, most states require that observers be teenagers or older.
The observer needs to have the maturity and mental competency to differentiate between fun and discomfort.
What’s The Age Limit To Drive A Jet Ski By Yourself?
Jet skis have grown more powerful over the years.
Some of them even sport 30 HP engines that allow them to get up to speeds of 70 MPH.
Because of that, you may wonder if there’s an age limit to who can operate a jet ski by themselves.
Yes, many states have an age limit that sets how old someone has to be to drive a jet ski by themselves.
The exact age varies by state.
The general range is around 12 to 18 years old.
Those who are under 18 usually need to have an adult with them.
They’re unable to drive alone.
The adult who’s with them also needs to have a boating license.
It’s not unlike when teenagers are learning to drive a car.
They have a permit that allows them to drive the car on the road, but it’s illegal to do so without an adult with them.
That adult also needs to have a driver’s license.
While those under 18 likely don’t need a boat license to drive the jet ski, the one with them does.
That’s because it’s the adult who needs to instruct them on how to drive and how to avoid certain dangers.
If something dangerous looms ahead, then they can take over to avoid a dangerous situation.
That said, some states don’t have an age limit at all.
Alaska is such a state, so it’s not uncommon to see children operating jet skis on their own.
The state leaves it to the parents to teach their children how to safely drive the jet ski.
Here are some of the set age requirements to drive a jet ski in some of the most popular states to jet ski:
- California: 16 years old
- Florida: 14 years old
- New York: 14 years old
- Texas: 13 years old
- Virginia: 14 years old
Some of these states, like California and Texas, also require children to pass a boating safety exam before they can operate the jet ski on their own.
What Age Do Jet Ski Manufacturers Say Is Acceptable To Drive A Jet Ski?
Since the manufacturers are responsible for making the jet ski, they likely have a good idea of how dangerous they are.
As such, following their instructions is usually a good idea.
Jet ski manufacturers state that there should be an age limit of 16 years old for those wanting to drive a jet ski.
At 16, they believe that teenagers have developed enough reflexes and critical thinking skills to safely operate the jet ski.
They’re also usually tall enough and heavy enough to stay on the jet ski easier.
Being too light means they’re more likely to be flung off the boat.
That said, they also state that no one should operate the jet ski if they have a sensory impairment in any way.
That includes vision problems, reaction time problems, and physical difficulties in the operation of the controls.
Because jet skis are dangerous in the wrong hands, you should follow your state’s and the jet ski manufacturer’s regulations and recommendations.
Where Do You Get A Jet Ski License?
Obtaining a jet ski license or boat license is a bit easier than obtaining a driver’s license.
You don’t have a set number of hours that you need to drive the boat to qualify for a test.
Instead, you have to pass an exam.
To get your jet ski license, there are a few places you can go.
One is to head to your local coast guard station.
They often host boater safety courses.
You can learn how to operate the jet ski, learn about driving etiquette on the water, and learn about the various rules and regulations related to jet skiing.
At the end of the course, you receive your boat license.
Another option is to sign up for a classroom.
You can search online for in-person classroom instruction.
These classes go over boating safety and tend to give a general overview of how to operate different boats.
You’ll learn everything you need to know in a broader sense.
After the classes are over, you take an exam and receive your license if you passed.
The final option is to get your license through an online classroom.
This option is ideal for those who are busy or don’t have a classroom near them.
You’ll receive the same quality education as you would in an in-person classroom.
You’re also able to work at your own pace.
At the end of the course, you take a final exam.
If you pass, then you receive your boat license.
In some instances, you may receive a certificate that allows you to drive your jet ski immediately after the exam is over and graded.
The certificate will hold you over until your real boating license arrives in the mail.
Getting a boating license is easier than ever, so even if you aren’t required to have one in your state, it’s still worth obtaining it.
How Much Does A Jet Ski License Cost?
Driving a jet ski or any other boat is a privilege and not a right.
As such, you need to pay for the instruction that you receive.
The typical license costs anywhere from $30 to $40 depending on your state.
Conclusion
In most states, you’re required to have a boat license to drive a jet ski.
There are also other limitations like age limits and wearing certain safety gear.
You can obtain your boating license in a variety of ways, and it’s also quite affordable to purchase.
