§ 69-9-505. Operation by Children Prohibited
It is unlawful for any person under twelve (12) years of age to operate a personal watercraft upon the waters of Tennessee unless such person is under the direct supervision of an adult. “Direct supervision” means being in such proximity with the operator so as to be able to take immediate control of the vessel.
§ 69-9-506. Leasing of Personal Watercraft by Persons Under Sixteen (16) Years of Age Prohibited
No person under sixteen (16) years of age may rent or attempt to hire, lease, or rent a personal watercraft. It shall be illegal for any marina, livery, or rental operation to hire, lease, or rent a personal watercraft to any person under sixteen (16) years of age. Further, no marina, livery, or other rental […]
§ 69-9-507. Towing Safety — Rearview Mirrors
No person shall utilize a personal watercraft to tow a person or persons on water skis or other water sport devices unless the personal watercraft has an observer on board, at least twelve (12) years of age, who can constantly observe the person or persons being towed, or it is equipped with rearview mirrors meeting […]
§ 69-9-508. Watercraft Owner Not to Violate This Part — Exceptions to This Part
It is unlawful for the owner of any personal watercraft or any person having charge of or control of a personal watercraft to authorize or knowingly permit these to be operated on the waters of this state by a person in violation of this part. This part does not apply to a performer engaged in […]
§ 69-9-222. Report of Fines and Forfeitures — Disposition of Funds
69-9-224. Termination of unsafe use.
§ 69-9-403. Restricted and No-Wake Zones
No boat shall come any closer than fifty feet (50′) to any divers-down flag and shall treat the area within two hundred feet (200′) of a divers-down flag as a no wake zone. This section shall not apply to a boat used as a diver station, diver support, or diver supply boat. Violations of this […]
§ 69-9-404. International Code Flag Alpha
The international code flag Alpha shall be used in the manner set out in § 69-9-402 by boats sending air or other gases to a diver through an air hose. Such use shall be in addition to any other coast guard approved use of this flag. The divers-down flag shall not be used in lieu […]
§ 69-9-405. When International Rules Govern
In the event that this part is inconsistent with the international rules of navigation, the international rules of navigation shall govern the inconsistency, but the other provisions of this part shall remain in force.
§ 69-9-501. “Personal Watercraft” Defined
As used in this part, “personal watercraft” means a mechanically propelled vessel that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel rather than being operated in a conventional manner by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling inside the vessel. It includes, but is not limited to, Jet Skis, […]
§ 69-9-502. Flotation Devices
A person may not operate a personal watercraft on the waters of Tennessee unless each person aboard the vessel, or being towed by the vessel, is wearing a United States coast guard (USCG) approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device in accordance with the USCG approval label.