SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2421

BYHouse Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Dorn, Belcher, Beck, Rasmussen, Betrozoff and R. King) 

Requiring safety standards for the operation of jet skis.

House Committe on Natural Resources & Parks

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  February 21, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 21, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Operation of jet skis and similar personal watercraft is not currently regulated.

There have been safety concerns involving the reckless use of personal watercraft.

SUMMARY:

Personal watercraft operators shall be at least 14 years old, except that personal watercraft shall not be rented to persons less than 16 years old.  Vessels of 10 horsepower or over shall not be operated by persons under 12 years old.  Persons operating personal watercraft shall wear approved flotation devices, utilize a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch if the watercraft is so equipped, operate only from sunrise to sunset, not operate in a negligent manner, not operate within 100 feet of a swimmer or another vessel, not operate with 50 yards of the shoreline, not exceed 7 knots per hour in restrictive areas, equip the personal watercraft with mufflers, and shall not operate at unsafe speeds.  Commercial vessels shall not operate in a negligent manner.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:July 1, 1990

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENTS:

The proposed striking amendment makes the following changes:

The restriction on the minimum age for operators of vessels is deleted.  Water skiers may ski from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.  The provision restricting operators of personal watercraft to remain 100 feet away from swimmers or other vessels, the provision restricting personal watercraft to more than 50 yards from shore, and the personal watercraft speed limit of seven knots/hour on restricted waters are all removed from the bill.  The requirements for mufflers on motor driven boats or vessels is strengthened to preclude excessive or unusual noise.  Several other technical changes are made.

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Rinehart; John Woodring, Northwest Marine Trade Association; Nina Carter, State Parks