The National Marine Manufacturers Association personal watercraft (PWC) certification program helps PWC manufacturers comply with established international standards and safety regulations and informs the public of such compliance when purchasing equipment.
Beginning with the 2025 Model Year, PWC manufacturers will have two options for Certification.
Option 1
- SAE J1973 – Flotation
- SAE J2034 – Ventilations systems
- SAE J2046 – Fuel systems
- SAE J2120 – Electrical systems
- SAE J2608 – Off throttle steering
- SAE J2120 – Display of capacity
- SAE J2882 – Maximum velocity
Option 2
- ISO 13590 Small craft – Personal watercraft – Construction and system installation requirements
- SAE J2882 – Maximum velocity
In addition to the standards basis listed above, the NMMA program also certifies that all PWC’s meet the requirements of 33 CFR 181 Subpart C and comply with the USCG Policy CG-BSX-23 Policy Letter 23-07:ADOPTION OF SAE AND ISO PERSONAL WATERCRAFT STANDARDS AS EQUIVALENT TO 33 CFR SUBCHAPTER S.
The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring their production units are manufactured in compliance with the certified design. A manufacturer participating in this program must certify all models as fitted with all factory supplied equipment. Inspectors visit the manufacturer and physically inspect each PWC model for compliance to all certification standards.
For more information, please contact:
Scott Berry
Senior Director, Engineering Standards
312.946.6254
To obtain the SAE standards for PWC, contact:
SAE World Headquarters
400 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001 USA
1.724.776.4841