You Must Be PWC Certified: To operate a PWC in the State of Connecticut, you must have a valid Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO). Connecticut ONLY recognizes certificates from CT, MA, NH, NY and RI. No other state CPWOs are valid for use in the State of Connecticut. If you operate a PWC in CT waters without a valid certificate, you will be subject to a fine.
PWCs at Night: It is against the law to operate a PWC at night. PWCs cannot be on the lake between sunset and sunrise.
Operating your PWC: You are not allowed to operate your PWC above Slow-No-Wake speed, within 200 feet of shore, docks, piers, floats, or anchored or moored vessels. Also, all operators and passengers must keep both feet on the deck of the PWC while operating the PWC.
Passengers: They must be able to ride securely with both feet touching the floor boards and passengers are not allowed to ride in front of the operator. Passengers must be able to hold onto the person in front of them or be able to firmly hold on to hand holds of the PWC.
Capacity: Your PWCs capacity plate mandate must be followed.
Towing or Skiing: If you plan to tow a tuber, skier, etc, you must adhere to your PWC’s towing or skiing capacity plate. You must have an open seat for the person you are towing in addition to your rear-facing observer. If you have a 2 person PWC, you are not allowed to tow for watersports.
Life Jackets: All passengers must be wearing properly-fitted life vests, approved for PWC operation by the US Coast Guard.
Age: A person who is under the age of 16 may be permitted to operate a PWC only after obtaining a CPWO from CT or an equivalent certificate from MA, NH, NY, or RI and ONLY when under the onboard supervision of a person who is at least 18 years old with a valid CPWO.
