North Carolina State Statutes

Family Doctrine Purpose Act

The Family Doctrine Purpose Act is a rule of law that states that the registered owner of a vehicle (land or water) is liable for the damages that may arise due to a family member’s negligence. For example, if you have a 16 year old son and let him take the Jet Ski for the weekend and he gets into an accident due to his negligence, then the responsibility falls back upon you and your assets can be taken.

Identification Numbers Required

Every vessel on the waters of North Carolina shall be numbered, except those vessels exempted from numbering under G.S. 75A-7. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of any vessel on the waters of North Carolina unless all of these guidelines are met:

  1. The vessel is numbered in accordance with this Chapter, or in accordance with applicable federally approved numbering system of another state.
  2. The certificate of number awarded to the vessel is in full force and effect.
  3. The identification number set forth in the certificate of number is displayed on each side of the bow of the vessel.

Boating Safety Act

The commission may institute and coordinate a statewide course of instruction in boating safety, and in doing may cooperate with any political subdivision of North Carolina or within any reputable organization having as one of its objectives the promotion of boating safety.

Personal Watercraft (Jet Ski) Rules

  1. No person shall operate a personal watercraft between sunset and sunrise.
  2. No person shall operate a personal watercraft on the waters of North Carolina at greater than no wake within 100 feet of an anchored or moored vessel, a dock, pier, swim float, marked swimming area, swimmers, surfers, or engaged in fishing.
  3. No person, firm, or corporation, shall engage in the business of renting personal watercrafts unless that person or entity has secured insurance for the liability of damaged property at the minimum of $300,000.

Skier Rules

  1. No person shall operate a vessel on any water of North Carolina for towing a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or similar device unless at least one of the following conditions is met:
    1. There is in the vessel, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed.
    2. The person being towed wears a floatation device.
    3. The vessel is equipped with a rear view mirror.
  2. No person shall operate a vessel on any water of North Carolina towing a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or similar device, nor shall any person engage in water skiing, surfboarding, or similar activity at any time between the hours from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.

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