CHAPTER 12. REGULATION OF PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
IC 14-15-12
Chapter 12. Regulation of Personal Watercraft
IC 14-15-12-1
"Individual" defined
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "individual" means an individualhuman being.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-2
"Person" defined
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "person" has the meaning set forthin IC 14-8-2-202(a).
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-3
"Personal watercraft" defined
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "personal watercraft" has themeaning set forth in IC 14-8-2-202.5.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-4
"Public waters" defined
Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "public waters" has the meaningset forth in IC 14-8-2-226.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-5
Additional requirements and prohibitions
Sec. 5. The requirements and prohibitions set forth in this chapterconcerning personal watercraft are in addition to the requirementsand prohibitions set forth in IC 14-15-3 and IC 14-15-8.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-6
Operation while facing rear prohibited
Sec. 6. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on publicwaters while facing the rear of the personal watercraft.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-7
Restrictions on water activities
Sec. 7. A personal watercraft shall not be used on public watersto tow individuals engaged in waterskiing, aquaplaning, or similaractivities, unless:
(1) the personal watercraft is at least nine (9) feet long;
(2) the personal watercraft is designed to seat at least three (3)individuals; and
(3) an individual other than the operator of the personalwatercraft is aboard the personal watercraft, acting as an
observer.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.28-1998, SEC.1.
IC 14-15-12-8
Personal flotation devices
Sec. 8. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on publicwaters unless every individual:
(1) operating;
(2) riding on; or
(3) being towed by;
the personal watercraft is wearing a personal flotation device thatmeets the requirements for designation by the United States CoastGuard as a Type I, Type II, Type III, or Type V personal flotationdevice, if applicable.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.38-2000, SEC.5;P.L.24-2001, SEC.2.
IC 14-15-12-9
Self-circling capability
Sec. 9. A personal watercraft that does not have self-circlingcapability shall not be operated on public waters unless:
(1) the personal watercraft is equipped with a lanyard typeengine cutoff switch; and
(2) the lanyard is attached to the person, clothing, or personalflotation device of the operator.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-10
Reasonable and prudent operation
Sec. 10. (a) A personal watercraft operated on public waters mustat all times be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner.
(b) A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on publicwaters in a way that endangers human life, human physical safety, orproperty.
(c) A person shall not do any of the following while operating apersonal watercraft on public waters:
(1) Weave through congested watercraft traffic in a way thatendangers human life, human physical safety, or property.
(2) Follow a watercraft that is towing an individual on:
(A) water skis;
(B) a surf board; or
(C) another water sport device;
in a way that endangers human life, human physical safety, orproperty.
(3) Jump the wake of another watercraft in a way that endangershuman life, human physical safety, or property.
(4) Cut between a boat and the individual or individuals beingtowed by the boat.
(5) Cross paths with another watercraft when visibility aroundthe other watercraft is so obstructed as to endanger human life,
human physical safety, or property.
(6) Steer a personal watercraft toward an object or individual inthe water and turn sharply at close range in a way thatendangers human life, human physical safety, or property.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-11
Unlawful authorization to operate watercraft
Sec. 11. A person who:
(1) owns a personal watercraft; or
(2) has charge over or control of a personal watercraft;
shall not authorize or knowingly permit the personal watercraft to beoperated in violation of this chapter.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-12
Nonapplicability
Sec. 12. Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this chapter do not apply to:
(1) a performer engaged in a professional exhibition; or
(2) a person participating in a regatta, a race, a marine parade,a tournament, or an exhibit;
that is held in compliance with rules adopted by the natural resourcescommission.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-13
Violations
Sec. 13. (a) A person who intentionally, knowingly, or recklesslyviolates section 10 of this chapter commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(b) A person who violates section 6, 7, 8, 9, or 11 of this chaptercommits a Class C infraction.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-14
Implementation
Sec. 14. The natural resources commission may adopt rules underIC 4-22-2 to implement this chapter.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.