Hi everyone,


I'm sure you've all noticed the rules unfortunately differ from state to state. Unlike commercial operators we get legislated to suit the local customs and specific waterways. Most of us aren't ticketed Captains so don't have a full understanding of international maritime law.


So in Queensland we've been getting a few questions about what is and isn't OK with kids on Jet Skis.

Here's the latest info from MSQ to make it easier to grasp.


To begin with here is an extract from a Seadoo operator's manual as an example (they are all similar):

The operator and passenger(s) should be properly seated and have a firm grip on a handhold before starting the watercraft, and at all times when the watercraft is in motion. All passenger(s) should be instructed to use the handholds provided, or to hold on to the waist of the person in front of them.
 
Each passenger must be able to simultaneously place both feet firmly flat against each foot well when properly seated. When going over waves, passenger(s) may raise their body slightly off the seat to absorb the shocks with their legs.

So; a small child sitting in front cannot reach factory provided handlebars and could not possibly place both their feet in the foot wells either.




So in summary;

Q: Why can’t my child sit in front of me on my PWC?

A: All skippers have a General Safety Obligation (GSO)by law. You comply with your GSO by, at a minimum, operating in accordance with your PWC owner’s manual. Your owner’s manual requires passengers to hold on to the handholds provided or the person in front of them and place both feet firmly in the foot wells.