Personal Watercraft (PWC) in Kentucky

PWC are defined as small vessels that:

• Use a water jet pump as the primary power source
• Are designed to be operated in a sitting, kneeling or standing position

In addition to the regulations and laws regarding power vessels, PWC are also subject to the following laws and regulations in the state of Kentucky:

• All PWC operators, passengers, and anyone being towed must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III PFD at all times
• PWC must be equipped with an emergency ignition safety switch or a self-circling feature
• Operators of PWC equipped with an ignition safety switch must attach the engine shut off lanyard to his or her person, PFD, or clothing
• PWC operation is only permitted during daylight hours (from sunrise to sunset)
• Dangerous operation of a PWC is unlawful, this includes:
  • Weaving through congested traffic
  • Wake jumping in a dangerous manner
  • Cutting between a vessel and a person being towed
  • Chasing, harassing or disturbing wildlife
  • Closely following another vessel that is towing a person or people

It is not permitted to operate a motorboat or PWC within 50 feet of a commercial vessel or its tow that is in operation on a waterway unless consent to do so has been granted by the operator of the commercial vessel.