Jet Ski and PWC Regulations in Oahu (rental, credit)

[K:thecore]

Im reading the regs and I just want to make sure Im getting things right.

is anybody familiar with the PWC regs here on Oahu?


My friend has a jet ski for me to use when I get here and I just want to make sure I don't need any certifications or such to legally ride here. Im 21 years old and have a drivers license and as far as I can tell theres nothing else I need if Im reading these confusing regs right.

I know jet ski rental companies have to be specially permitted in order to rent on state owned land. Riders in this case have to ride around in circles and are carefully watched.

But how does borrowing a jet ski differ in this scenario? Can I ride freely as long as Im a certain distance from the beach? Are there watercraft seasons on Oahu (i.e., can only ride during certain months at 'certain' beaches)?


Thanks for your help.

[ScottStielow]

-PWCs may operate in Hawaii waters only from 500 feet from the shoreline (or outer edge of a fringing reef) to two miles off shore.
-Personal watercraft (PWC) operations shall be curtailed in certain designated areas as necessary, to avoid possible adverse impacts on humpback whales or other protected marine life. From December 15th to May 15th it is it illegal to operate a PWC in Humpback Whale protected waters. Of course you are coming i assume in the summer.
-All recreational personal watercraft operators shall be required to possess, and make available upon demand of enforcement personnel, a certificate of completion from an accredited institution of higher education on the safe use and operation of a PWC. Hawaii recognizes reciprocity with other states, i.e., the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved portion of the personal watercraft course.
-This information can be found in PWC Safety School.com. I don't know if this applies to you in your case? You might want to check into this.
Scott