The complete guide to jet ski rules and regulations

Owning a jet ski can be thrilling, but it comes with certain responsibilities. The main one is ensuring you know the code of conduct for using this type of watercraft.

Brushing up on your knowledge before heading out during the peak season is highly advised. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know regarding jet ski rules and regulations, including what safety equipment you need, how fast you're allowed to go, and whether you need a licence to drive a jet ski in the UK.

What are the main jet ski rules and regulations?

Just as there is a code of conduct for driving on the road, there is also a code of conduct for driving on water. For the sea, these rules are outlined in the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).

Rules may differ for inland waters, but the boating authorities do try to keep them as close to the COLREGS as possible.

The most important jet ski rules to remember are:

• Always give way to your right (starboard)
• Always abide by local speed limits
• You must give way to every other kind of vessel, including windsurfers, canoes, and pedalos, besides larger fishing vessels or ships
• When inside a channel, keep the green buoys on your right going in and left coming out

It’s essential to be aware of this information to prevent reckless use of your jet ski. There’s no real excuse for not reading up on the jet ski rules and regulations before heading out on the water.

Knowing that you should give way to other watercraft due to being the smallest and most manoeuvrable boat on the water is crucial and could prevent any injuries and unnecessary accidents.

Likewise, knowing how to manoeuvre within a channel near the shore is another important jet ski rule to abide by. Channels are generally marked by green buoys on the right and red buoys on the left and are there to show the routes in and out of a harbour.

Can I be punished for misusing a jet ski?

Yes, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have the power to prosecute individuals who cause accidents by reckless misuse of watercraft. Individuals charged with using their jet ski or watercraft dangerously could receive an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison in the worst-case scenario.

If an accident causes loss of life, perpetrators could receive tougher prosecution alongside wider manslaughter charges. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jet skier, it's always a good idea to revisit the COLREGS to determine what constitutes dangerous or reckless usage, ensuring you operate safely. Always check the individual rules of any waterways you use as well.

Do I need a jet ski licence?

The short answer is no—you currently don’t need a licence to drive a jet ski in the UK. However, if you intend to rent one abroad, it’s worth checking local laws to see if any documentation is necessary. Regardless, it’s a good idea to take jet ski lessons first.

Although you don’t need a licence to use a jet ski, it’s worth noting that landowners may charge you a launching fee. The cost of this and whether it applies depends on where you are jet skiing, so this is another important point to research in advance.

If you are using your jet ski for racing, you will need a licence. These can be granted by the Jet Sport Racing Association of Great Britain (JRSA).

The JRSA also makes several other stipulations, such as wearing:

• a wetsuit or drysuit
• a life vest
• a back protector
• a full-face helmet
• footwear
• leg guards

How fast can I drive my jet ski?

A jet ski can usually travel between 40 and 70 mph, depending on the model. Speed limits vary and are typically set by local authorities, so it's your responsibility to find this out before you arrive at your chosen location.

Usually, your speed will be drastically limited when nearer the shore or within a certain range of it, with limits easing beyond that, but make sure you look out for speed limit signage out on the water. Organised races will always occur in a restricted area of water, and such is the nature of a race; speed limits won't apply then.

What safety equipment do I need when driving a jet ski?

While there are no firm jet ski safety rules regarding equipment, you can follow our tips to ensure you always have a fun and safe experience.
It’s always a good idea to have the following when driving your jet ski:

• A wetsuit—surprisingly, you might get cold riding a jet ski. If you fall into the water and start riding again, you can catch a chill from the wind. A wetsuit will keep you insulated.
• A life jacket—no matter how good a swimmer you are, you must wear a life jacket. As stated by the RYA, “it will turn an unconscious person into a safe position and requires no subsequent action by the user to maintain this position.”
• A safety lanyard—this will kill the jet ski’s engine if unplugged, so make sure it’s attached to you. If you come off, the lanyard will come off with you, and the jet ski’s engine will cut out.
• A flare—these are the best way to attract attention and alert surrounding boats to sea emergencies.
• An air horn—if your jet ski doesn’t have a horn, this is a good substitute.
• A jet ski toolkit—it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with basic jet ski repairs. This way, you’re not stranded out in the water over basic problems, should they occur.

Other important jet ski safety information

Jet ski rules and regulations are as much about understanding watercraft laws and customs as acknowledging your legal liabilities. You share the water with countless other vessels, so knowing how to interact with them is imperative, whatever the circumstances.

Though you shouldn't ride your jet ski at night or in the fog anyway, if you find yourself in either situation, you must have green and red sidelights and a raised white light to show the direction in which you're moving.

If you’re unlucky enough to encounter fog or poor visibility, you should give a long blast of your horn every two minutes to alert other vessels to your presence.
Going anywhere near larger ships is incredibly dangerous, but even if you think they’re far away, they might be trying to communicate with you. Listen out for their foghorn if you enter their vicinity.

As a rule of thumb:

• One blast means they’re altering course to starboard
• Two blasts mean they’re altering course to port
• Three blasts mean they’re going astern
• Five blasts mean your intentions are unclear, and you should leave the area or give way

Outside of the jet ski safety rules outlined in this article, you should also be respectful of the environment you’re using when out on the water.

Be aware of the noise your craft makes and avoid using it too early in the morning or late at night around the shoreline. Never spill fuel or litter into the water, and avoid using your jet ski near wildlife as well.

It’s common sense and keeps everyone’s experience enjoyable. Knowing the basic jet ski safety rules and etiquette when meeting other water enthusiasts is the best way to stay out of trouble.

Jet ski rules FAQs

How far offshore can you go on a jet ski?

A typical jet ski can travel 50-80 miles on a full tank. But keep in mind that the single tank of fuel will need to be enough to get you there and back to shore. This can also vary depending on the type of jet ski you own, weather conditions, and how you drive.

Always follow the local rules for where you're allowed to go with your jet ski too, as some places may require you to only use a certain area of the water or be a certain distance from the shore before you pick up speed.

What do I need to own a jet ski in the UK?

Although you don't need to have a licence in the UK to drive a jet ski, you may want to consider completing an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) course. The Personal Watercraft Proficiency Course covers safety, launching, and handling to help you become a better jet skier.

It's also a good idea to ensure you have the relevant safety equipment (such as a life jacket) and the paperwork for your jet ski to hand while out and about.

Do you have to wear shorts on a jet ski?

There are no rules on what you need to wear to ride a jet ski, although many regular jet ski users will choose to wear either neoprene shorts or a full wetsuit. This is because neoprene shorts sit tight to the body, offer thermal protection, and can protect the skin should you fall into the water.

Specialist jet ski insurance through Insure4Boats

Accidents and theft are a real risk, whether you’re towing your jet ski to your favourite bit of coastline or out on the water already. That’s why you may want to consider specialist jet ski insurance.
With specialist jet ski insurance through Insure4Boats, you can protect your jet ski against theft, accidental damage, malicious damage, salvage charges and a further £3m in third-party liability.

You can also tailor your policy so you only pay for what you need. Learn more about specialist jet ski insurance through Insure4Boats or get a quick online quote today.