Final answer:
The legal age to operate a PWC varies by location but generally ranges from 12-16 years old, and the operator must have a boating safety certificate. This certificate is usually obtained by completing a boating safety course.
Step-by-step explanation:
The age at which a person can legally operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) varies by jurisdiction, but generally, operators are required to be a minimum age and must have obtained a boating safety certificate. In many areas, the minimum age is 14 years old, but this can range from as young as 12 in some places to 16 in others. The exact age requirement and process to obtain a boating safety certificate depend on the state or country's laws.
To operate a PWC legally, one must typically take a boating safety course that leads to obtaining a certificate. This course can often be completed online or in person. Once the course is successfully completed, the person is awarded a boating safety certificate, which must be carried when operating the PWC.