# COMAR Title 08 — Department of Natural Resources

## Subtitle 18 — Boating — Speed Limits and Operation of Vessels

### Chapter 35 — Jennings Randolph Lake

#### Regulation .06 Personal Watercraft.

*COMAR 08.18.35.06*

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.