Who is Allowed to Drive a PWC?

If you own a boat or another type of watercraft, it’s important to protect your investment with boat and watercraft insurance. Many boat owners are unsure about the type of policy they need. If you live near Raleigh, NC, our team at Craig Insurance Group is ready to help protect your boat or other watercraft. We’ve been serving clients in your area since 2013.

Who is Allowed to Drive a PWC?

Being safe on the water means obeying state laws about who is allowed to drive your boat or watercraft. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, you must be over 14 years old to drive a PWC (personal watercraft). However, every driver under 16 must complete and pass a boat safety education course. Any adult responsible for supervising a person under age 16 cannot let them operate their PWC unless they have completed the boat safety course.

All passengers in PWC should wear personal flotation devices. It’s also important to understand what reckless driving of a PWC is. You shouldn’t operate a PWC in a channel that’s too narrow or follow another PWC too closely. If your PWC is towing a person on water skis or a ski jet, you must use a rearview mirror or have an observer on board to watch the person being towed.

Call Us Today for Your Appointment

At Craig Insurance Group, we want you to enjoy your watercraft with the confidence of knowing you’re protected. As the seasYoururance needs may change, and as the seasons change, we can help you prepare for those changes. Residents of Raleigh, NC, can feel confident about their choice of insurance after visiting our office. Call us today for an appointment, and let’s talk about insurance.

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How to Prepare Your Boat or Watercraft for Hurricane Season in Raleigh, NC

When Does Hurricane Season Begin in Raleigh, NC? 

Hurricane Season in Raleigh, North Carolina, typically runs from June 1st through November 30th each year. Learn how to prepare your boat or watercraft for hurricane season from the insurance experts at Craig Insurance Group. 

Raleigh-Specific Hurricane Risks 

While Raleigh isn’t situated directly on the coast, its proximity to the ocean makes it prone to feeling some of the most devastating effects and the aftermath of Atlantic hurricanes. 

Raleigh residents won’t typically have to battle high storm surges; however, they may experience flooding from heavy rainfall overfilling local rivers and creeks and structural failures caused by hurricanes. 

During extreme weather events, high-velocity winds and wind gusts from blowing hurricanes can easily damage boats, watercraft, and other water-faring vessels. 

Your boat’s susceptibility to sinking or flooding during a strong hurricane depends on some of the following factors: 

  • Boat Type and Condition 
  • Hull Material 
  • Mooring and Anchoring Practices 
  • Hurricane Preparedness 

Boat and watercraft owners should note that there are always some potential risks of sinking or flooding, especially during strong hurricanes with violent winds. 

Prepare Your Boat or Watercraft for Hurricanes 

  • Equip Your Vessel with Emergency Supplies
  • Create An Evacuation Plan
  • Know your Evacuation Routes 
  • Look up Local Road Conditions 
  • Research the Weather Conditions
  • Prepare for Power Outages 

Get more local advice from the boat and watercraft insurance experts at Craig Insurance Group and get a comprehensive quote for boat and watercraft insurance when you contact us today! 

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