Personal Watercraft (PWCs) - often referred to as jet skis® - include

• waverunners®
• Sea Doos®
• Wave Jammers®
• wetbikes®
• other similar boats®

A PWC is a craft that is propelled by a motor, has a fully enclosed hull, is designed not to retain water if capsized and is operated by a person who sits, stands or kneels on the craft.

Rules which apply to the operation of motor boats also apply to PWCs.

Other requirements that apply to PWCs that you need to be aware of are:

• A person must not operate a PWC on any State waters (unless engaged in waterskiing on the River Murray)
• after sunset or 8pm (whichever is the earlier) on any day
• before 9am on a Sunday or before 8am on any other day.
• Unless zoned otherwise a 4 knot speed limit applies to all PWCs within 200 metres of the metropolitan shoreline (between Outer Harbour southern breakwater and southern end of Sellicks Beach) and the backwaters of the River Murray.
• All operators and passengers on PWCs must wear a life jacket or a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) that complies with AS1499, 1512 or 2260 at all times.
• A PFD 1 (AS1512) must be worn in unprotected waters ie beyond 2 nautical miles offshore.
• A person must not operate a PWC without a code of practice (Ride Smart) sticker being correctly affixed. Ride Smart stickers are available free of charge from any Customer Service Centre.

Except for Personal Flotation Device (PFDs) there is no legal requirement to carry other safety equipment on your PWC.

Transport SA recommend however, that while operating your PWC in unprotected waters you should carry

• flares
• other items of offshore safety equipment that can safely be carried (eg personal EPIRB, compass, portable marine radio)

Some special zones have been created in State waters where additional speed restrictions apply to PWCs. Some special areas also exist in which only PWCs can be used. For further details ask your local Marine Safety Officer.