FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2421

                                  C 231 L 90

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

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

"Personal watercraft" include Jet Skis, Wet Bikes, Wetjets, Waverunners, and other highly maneuverable, small vessels on which the operator stands, sits, kneels, or is towed behind.  Because these vessels are small, fast, and barely visible they pose an unusually high risk of injury.

In 1988, due to the numerous complaints from law enforcement agencies and property owners, the State Parks and Recreation Commission coordinated a personal watercraft awareness clinic.  Over 60 officers from three states attended the clinic.  The officers learned through their testing of the machines that operators fall off easily and are vulnerable to exhaustion.

The State Parks and Recreation Commission has adopted boating safety and water skiing standards.  The standards adopted are the United States Coast Guard Safety Standards, which do not deal specifically with personal watercraft.  There are, therefore, no state wide standards for the operation of personal watercraft.

SUMMARY:

Safety standards are established for personal watercraft operators.  A "personal watercraft" is defined as a vessel with a motor powered water jet pump.

The operator of a personal water craft must be 14 years of age. It is unlawful for any person to lease, hire, or rent a personal watercraft to any person who is under 16 years of age.  The operator of a personal watercraft must operate the vehicle in a reasonable manner.  No person may operate a personal watercraft during the period from sunset to sunrise.

If a personal watercraft is equipped with a lanyard cutoff switch, the lanyard must be attached to the operator.  A remote-operated personal watercraft must have a flag attached that is visible from all directions.  Personal watercraft mufflers must include a series of baffles and chambers to blend exhaust and motor noise.  It is unlawful to remove or use a cutout device on any personal watercraft muffler or muffling device.

Seaplanes are excluded from the definition of "vessel" for the purposes of boating and water skiing safety standards.  Water ski observers are required to meet minimum qualifications established by the State Parks and Recreation Commission.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 93   0

      Senate    49     0 (Senate amended)

      Senate    44     1 (Senate amended)

      House 87   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 7, 1990