Rental Rules & Requirements

Personal watercraft operation is regulated by Virginia law (Code of Virginia § 29.1-748 and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources regulations) plus local ordinances, and NautiBuoy Rentals adds a few requirements of our own. Every operator agrees to all of the rules below before riding — they keep you safe, and several of them are the law.

Before you can ride, you'll need:

To be 18 years or older (every operator — no exceptions). Although Virginia's PWC regulations allow younger operators, our liability insurance only covers operators 18 and older, so we can't make exceptions. We apologize for the inconvenience.
A government-issued photo ID showing date of birth (driver's license, state ID, or passport), uploaded during booking and presented at check-in. Military IDs can't be used for age verification — they don't show a date of birth on the front.
A boater safety education card (uploaded during booking and carried while riding) — or Virginia's free official Dockside Safety Checklist, completed online within 9 days before your ride, certificate in hand at check-in. Either satisfies Virginia law; a driver's license does not.
A signed liability waiver and completed safety training (part of the booking process)

1. Minimum Age: 18 Years Old ▾

Every operator must be at least 18 years old — no exceptions. Although Virginia's PWC regulations (see dwr.virginia.gov/boating/pwc/) allow younger operators under certain conditions, our liability insurance only covers operators who are 18 and older, so this is a strict company policy and we cannot make exceptions. We apologize for any inconvenience. Age is verified from the government-issued photo ID you provide at booking and is checked again at check-in.

2. Only Listed Operators May Ride ▾

The renter and the approved passengers named on the rental agreement are the only people authorized to operate the watercraft. Swapping riders or handing off operation to anyone else while on the water is prohibited for safety and insurance reasons.

3. Life Jacket & Engine Cutoff Lanyard Required ▾

All riders must wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while operating or riding — no exceptions. Inflatable life jackets are not permitted on personal watercraft; we provide properly sized life jackets with every rental.
The engine cutoff lanyard must stay attached to your life jacket or wrist while operating. It shuts the engine off automatically if you fall off, so the watercraft won't run away from you.

4. No Alcohol or Drug Use ▾

Operating a personal watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited and against the law. Any suspected impairment ends the rental immediately with no refund.

5. No-Wake Speed & Safe Distance ▾

• Virginia law requires no-wake speed — the slowest speed needed to keep steering — within 50 feet of docks, piers, boathouses, boat ramps, people in the water, and other vessels.
• When approaching or leaving any beach, travel perpendicular to the shore at no-wake speed. Stay at least 100 feet from shorelines and marked swim areas, and at least 200 feet from swimmers in ocean waters. Always obey posted buoys, markers, and lifeguard instructions.
Keep a safe distance from swimmers, shorelines, docks, and other boats at all times. Reckless or aggressive riding will not be tolerated.

6. Stay Clear of the Navy Base & Ships ▾

Do not go within 500 yards of the naval base or any Navy ships. This is a strictly enforced federal security zone — security personnel will approach you, and violations can carry serious penalties.

7. Ride Responsibly — No Reckless Operation, Horseplay, or Towing ▾

Sharp turns near other vessels, jumping wakes, spraying other riders, and high-speed maneuvers in crowded areas are prohibited — safety comes before speed.
Towing is never allowed. No tubes, wakeboards, water skis, or riders may be towed behind the watercraft under any circumstances.

8. Follow All Boating Laws & Staff Instructions ▾

Renters are responsible for following all applicable boating laws, navigation rules, and posted waterway regulations. Violations may result in fines or loss of rental privileges.
All riders must also follow the instructions of company staff before and during the rental. Failure to follow directions may end the rental without a refund.

9. Daylight Hours Only ▾

Personal watercraft may only be operated between sunrise and sunset, as required by Virginia law. All rentals take place during daylight hours.

10. Rider & Weight Limits ▾

Each watercraft carries a maximum of 2 riders total, including the operator, and has a combined weight limit of 350 lbs. Please plan your group with this in mind — it's lower than many people expect. These limits are confirmed at check-in and strictly enforced for everyone's safety.

11. Returns, Damage, Weather & Belongings ▾

• Return the watercraft by the agreed time. Late returns may incur additional hourly charges.
• Report any accident, grounding, collision, or mechanical issue immediately. Prompt reporting keeps everyone safe and helps prevent further damage.
• Weather: rentals may be delayed, shortened, or canceled due to unsafe conditions. All safety-related decisions are at staff discretion.
• Secure your belongings. The company is not responsible for lost or damaged phones, wallets, jewelry, or other personal items — bring only what you can safely secure.

These rules incorporate the requirements of Virginia law for personal watercraft operation, including the boating safety education requirement, life jacket and engine cutoff lanyard rules, daylight-only operation, and slow-no-wake distances. Violations of state law are enforced by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and local marine patrol, and violations of any rule may end your rental without refund. Questions? Contact us before your ride — we're happy to help.

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