§ 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.
§ 69-9-501. “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.
§ 69-9-503. Engine Cutoff Switches
A person operating a personal watercraft on the waters of Tennessee shall have a lanyard type engine cutoff switch and must attach the lanyard to the person, clothing, or personal flotation device as is appropriate. Subsection (a) shall not apply to a person operating a personal watercraft that was not equipped with a lanyard type […]
§ 69-9-504. Safe Operating Requirements — Prohibited Maneuvers — Warning Flags
A personal watercraft shall at all times be operated on the waters of Tennessee in a reasonable and prudent manner. Maneuvers that endanger life, limb, or property, or create a public nuisance shall constitute reckless operation of a vessel as provided in § 69-9-216(a) and shall be punished upon conviction as provided in § 69-9-219. […]