<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 08.18.40.04" title_num="08" subtitle_num="18" chapter_num="40" heading="Restrictions.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A person may not operate or give permission to operate a jetpack vessel in a reckless or negligent manner as set forth in COMAR 08.18.01.05.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Except as provided in COMAR 08.04.08.03E, a person may not lease, hire, rent, operate, or give permission to operate a jetpack vessel on the waters of the State unless the observer, operator, and rider are 16 years old or older.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A person may not operate or give permission to operate a jetpack vessel unless:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An observer is on a rescue vessel that is located at least 100 feet, but no more than 300 feet, away from the rider;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The observer is responsible for the safety of only one rider at a time; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The observer meets Maryland requirements for a vessel operator.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>All rescue vessels must have an “international orange” flag with a minimum size of 12 inches x 12 inches mounted on a pole that is at least 24 inches above the water. The flag must be visible, and remain visible, until the rider is safely secured on the rescue vessel and out of the jet propelled device.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>All riders and instructors must display “international orange” markings of at least 12 inches x 12 inches. The required markings may include a vest or flag that is attached to the rider and instructor.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>A person may not operate or give permission to operate a jetpack vessel on the waters of the State unless the rider is wearing a helmet and a high impact Type I, Type II, or Type III personal flotation device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Except as provided in COMAR 08.04.08.03I, a person may not operate or give permission to operate a jetpack vessel in any area of  water with a depth of less than 6 feet unless the jet propelled device and rider maintain contact with the water at all times.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>A person may not operate or give permission to operate a jetpack vessel in properly identified speed zones unless the jet propelled device and rider maintain contact with the water at all times. Properly identified speed zones include 6 knot zones and minimum wake zones.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>A person may not operate or give permission to operate a jetpack vessel on the waters of the State within 100 feet in all directions, including vertically, of any bridge, structure, shore, wharf, pier, piling, mooring ball, buoy, vessel, or people in the water, unless the jet propelled device and rider maintain contact with the water at all times. This distance restriction does not apply to the instructor, the boat unit, or the operator.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="J.">
    <text>A rider may not pick up any other person or use a tandem harness to include a second rider.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="K.">
    <text>Except as provided in COMAR 08.18.40.05, a person may not operate or give permission to operate a jetpack vessel on the waters of the State in a porpoise-like motion.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="L.">
    <text>A person may not operate or give permission to operate a jetpack vessel on the waters of the State:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Between sunset and sunrise; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>In or near an area of restricted visibility.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="M.">
    <text>All jetpack vessel operators and observers born after July 1, 1972 shall carry a certificate of Boater Safety Education pursuant to Natural Resources Article, §8-712.2, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="N.">
    <text>A person may not act as an observer, rider, operator, instructor or give permission to operate or observe a jetpack vessel on the waters of the State if they are:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Under the influence of alcohol;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Impaired by alcohol;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>So far impaired by any drug, combination of drugs, or combination of one or more drugs and alcohol that the person cannot operate a vessel safely; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Impaired by any controlled dangerous substance, as defined in Criminal Law Article, §5-101, Annotated Code of Maryland  unless the person is entitled to use the controlled dangerous substance under the laws of the State.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="O.">
    <text>A person may not operate or give permission to operate a jetpack vessel on the waters of the State unless it is equipped with an engine cutoff switch.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="P.">
    <text>All jetpack vessels must be registered in accordance with COMAR 08.04.03.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="Q.">
    <text>A person who leases, rents, or otherwise receives consideration for the use of a jetpack vessel shall comply with COMAR 08.04.08.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>