Using headphones while riding a jet ski?

[SlowStang305]

I had a question. I ride a sit down jet ski and sometimes I go out in the mornings when theres no one out. I cruise at 3-4mph and sometimes it takes a while to get to a zone where I can speed up. I was wondering if it is illegal to wear headphones while riding a jet ski? Im not talking about blasting music but just something to have so I don't go completely bored. I don't want to be one of those *******s who flys through no wake zones so it takes me some time. Are there rules against it? Will a cop come right over and tell me to rip them off? Thanks! I live in Fl if that matters. Do any of you guys ride with them on?

[palmbeach jesse]

Thats a great question. I know you arent soposed to have anything that impares hearing, but it cant be and worse than a helmet.....

[WFO]

IMO its kinda dangerous. You cant really hear anything.

[Dubz1]

I ride the open ocean, and wear my IPOD at times. Then again, I have on a helmet, and own maybe one of the loudest ski's in North America, so I cant hear much even if I had no headphones. Personal prefrence as far as safety is concerned. I Ride safe, & pay attention to my surroundings, therefore think I'll be okay without hearing things.

[Never Convicted]

I also wear a Helmet and Rock the Ipod too.

[YoYamma]

I think it's illegal in Florida, not sure.
However I take my iPod every time I go out.
I drop the Nano into a waterproof Otterbox and chuck it in the glove compartment.

Surprisingly, I have found the Apple ear buds do not completely drown out surrounding noises, however you have to be careful and I am NOT recommending this for other riders. The simple fact is, they will blow out of the ears at speeds above 55 mph anyway, and at those speeds the wind makes it hard to hear anything including other boats!

You can always enjoy the iPod on your PWC when your engine is off and you are just chilling watching a sunset, this is not illegal to my knowledge.

Let's not forget, Steve Turner challenged and defeated the U.S. Coast Guard when they terminated his Sept. 9, 2003 voyage solely because he is deaf. If they cannot keep a deaf person from operating a boat, maybe they shouldn't be worrying about my little earphones. You can read about that here:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...9/ai_112350817

[SlowStang305]

Great responses so far, thanks guys! I wonder if there is anyone who knows the laws. Ive been searching and couldn't find anything relating to this.

[Dubz1]

I also wear a Helmet and Rock the Ipod too.

Thats why your the Champ!. National Offshore Champ!