Md. Code Regs. 08.18.35.06 - Personal Watercraft

A. Except as noted in this chapter, personal watercraft shall comply with the laws and regulations governing Class A vessels as set forth in U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

B. A person may not operate or give permission to operate a personal watercraft for the purpose of towing a person on water skis, aquaplane, or similar device, unless the personal watercraft:

(1) Has a capacity of three persons that includes the:

(a) Driver;

(b) Rear facing observer, who is 12 years old or older;

(c) Water skier; and

(2) Is specifically designed for water skiing by the manufacturer.

C. A person may not operate or give permission to operate personal watercraft on the lake, unless:

(1) Each person on board is wearing a type I, type II, type III, or type V personal flotation device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard; and

(2) The watercraft is equipped by the manufacturer with a:

(a) Lanyard-type engine cut-off switch, and the lanyard is operational and attached to the:

(i) Operator of the watercraft;

(ii) Operator's clothing; or

(iii) Personal flotation device worn by the operator; or

(b) Self-circling device or engine throttle that has not been altered in a way that would prohibit the self-circling device from operating in its intended manner.

D. A person may not operate a personal watercraft at any time between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

E. A person shall operate a personal watercraft in a reasonable and prudent manner at all times. Maneuvers which endanger life, limb, or property constitute negligent operation of the vessel.

F. A person may not operate or give permission to operate a personal watercraft on the Lake at any time at a speed in excess of 6 knots within 100 feet of:

(1) Another vessel;

(2) Shore, wharf, pier, piling, bridge structure, or abutment; or

(3) A person in the water.

Notes

Md. Code Regs. 08.18.35.06

Regulations .06 adopted as an emergency provision effective May 15, 1997 (24:12 Md. R. 857); emergency status extended at 24:24 Md. R. 1668 and 25:9 Md. R. 676
Regulations .06 adopted effective May 18, 1998 (25:10 Md. R. 746)