PWC Safety Regulations - Idaho
In Idaho, it is recommended that operators of personal watercrafts be at least 16 years of age and that all people on the PWC wear helmets, protective shoes, and life jackets.
When renting a PWC, operators are required to participate in an education class given by the company renting the craft. The person completing the class must carry the states verification of education card while operating the craft and if anyone else in the group drives the PWC and only one person received the card, that person is legally responsible for making sure anyone who drives the craft watches the video and carries their own card.
If towing a skier or tuber, the PWC must be built for three passengers and there must always be two persons on the craft, one to be look-out and to operate the skier-down flag.
Personal watercrafts can only operate at night with the correct navigational lights installed by the manufacturer. It is also required for the PWC to yield the right-of-way to powerboats and skiers.
The state of Idaho has their own rules and regulations; but it is also the responsibility of the operator to find out the county-specific boating laws and ordinances for the county which the craft will be ridden.
For instance, in Kootenai County, children under the age of 10 cannot operate anything with a motor without adult supervision and those 10 - 14 cannot operate a PWC accept under adult supervision; unless the craft is 10 horsepower or less. There is also a noise ordinance from motor driven watercraft. It is imperative that operators learn the rules of the county.
Learning the regulations for the area in which you will be operating your PWC is required. The USCG and your PWC insurance company will expect you to follow all the regulations.
