Florida Boat Accident Injury Attorney Discusses the Responsibilities of Boat and Watercraft Rental Companies

Some boating and jet ski accidents and injuries are the result of negligence on the part of boat and jet ski rental companies in Florida.   For instance, imagine if a jet ski rental company in Miami beach rents a jet ski to an inexperienced tourist that has not received any proper training or direction on the safe operation of the jet ski.  If that person gets hurt, or hurts someone else, the jet ski rental company can be held responsible. The same applies in the context of a company renting out a boat to an inexperienced operator.  

In Florida, individuals renting a boat or jet ski must receive proper training to ensure safety on the water and comply with state regulations. Boat and jet ski rental companies are responsible for providing essential training to their customers before they operate the watercraft. The required training typically includes the following elements:

• Safety Briefing: Before allowing customers to take control of the boat or jet ski, the rental company should conduct a comprehensive safety briefing. This briefing should cover essential safety rules, regulations, and procedures to follow while operating the watercraft.
• Operating Instructions: Customers must receive detailed instructions on how to operate the specific boat or jet ski they are renting. This includes information on the throttle, steering controls, braking systems, and any other relevant operational features.
• Navigational Rules and Regulations: Customers need to be familiar with navigational rules and regulations on Florida's waterways. This includes information about speed limits, no-wake zones, right of way, and areas off-limits to boating or jet skiing.
• Safety Equipment Usage: Rental companies must educate customers on the proper use of safety equipment, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers. Customers should be required to wear life jackets at all times while on the water.
• Emergency Procedures: Rental companies should provide instructions on what to do in case of an emergency, such as capsizing, engine failure, or assisting others in distress.
• Watercraft Specifics: If the customer is renting a specific type of watercraft, such as a personal watercraft (PWC) or a boat with unique features, the rental company should provide additional training tailored to that particular craft.
• Impairment and Alcohol Policy: It is essential to inform customers of the strict prohibition of operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Local Conditions: Depending on the location of the rental, customers may need information on local weather conditions, tide patterns, and any other relevant environmental factors that could impact their safety.
• Age and Licensing Requirements: The rental company should verify that the customer meets the minimum age requirements and holds the necessary boating license or certification, if applicable.
• Supervision and Assistance: If required, rental companies should have staff available to supervise and assist customers, especially those who may be inexperienced or have limited boating knowledge.

If the rental company fails to provide the necessary comprehensive training and ensure that their customers are well-informed, rental companies can be held responsible in the event of a serious injury on the waters. 

If you have been injured in a Florida boat or jet ski accident and you feel that the rental company may not have met it responsibilities, you may be able to bring a claim.  This may be true even in a single vehicle boat or jet ski crash, where you are the person that rented the watercraft.

To learn more about your rights, call us for a Free Consultation today.  Call our Florida Boat Injury lawyers 24/7 at 855-234-6093 or Request a Free Consultation here. 





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