Pennsylvania considering PWC age limit

swadminJanuary 17, 2005

PITTSBURGH – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is considering a proposal that would establish 16 as the minimum age for operators of personal watercraft, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported in a story yesterday.

The proposal looks to set Jan. 1, 2008, as the date for establishing 16 as the minimum age for operators of PWC, according to the newspaper.

Specifically, the commission is contemplating regulations that if adopted would read in part, “A person 12 years of age or younger may not operate a personal watercraft. Effective Jan. 1, 2006, a person 13 years of age or younger may not operate a personal watercraft. Effective Jan. 1, 2007, a person 14 years of age or younger may not operate a personal watercraft.”

The commission also is proposing that a person 15 years of age or younger may not operate a personal watercraft if there are any passengers onboard 17 years of age or younger, the Tribune-Review reported.