In Texas, who is responsible for ensuring that all safety equipment is aboard a PWC?

The PWC operator is responsible for ensuring that all safety equipment is aboard the personal watercraft. This responsibility includes checking that required equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, signaling devices, and any other safety gear is available and in good condition before the vessel sets out.

This regulation emphasizes the operator's vital role in maintaining safety on the water, as they are the person in charge when the PWC is in operation. By ensuring that the necessary safety equipment is present, the operator helps to prevent accidents and promote a culture of safety for all passengers.

The other options, while they may have various responsibilities, do not hold the same direct accountability in this specific context. Passengers are not typically tasked with safety inspections, and while boat rental agencies may provide equipment, it is ultimately the operator's duty to ensure everything is in place before using the PWC. Local law enforcement may check for compliance but is not responsible for the operational readiness of the vessel before it goes out.