Noise is a ubiquitous complaint among beach-goers, waterfront property owners and traditional boaters who express their dislike of the high-pitched whine of PWC. Environmental advocates who contend that PWC noise compromises the integrity of marine and coastal environments by degrading quality of life, destroying recreational experiences and threatening wildlife, also highlight noise issues.

PWC industry officials, on the other hand, emphasize that technological innovations such as baffles, insulation and resonator-equipped mufflers have significantly reduced PWC noise and that newer models are two to eight times quieter than older ones (PWIA 2000a). Their claims are backed by studies suggesting that, under analogous operating conditions, PWC are no louder than similar motorized vessels (Noise Unlimited 1995) and that PWC comply with all existing noise regulations.

Noise is a ubiquitous complaint among beach-goers, waterfront property owners and traditional boaters who express their dislike of the high-pitched whine of PWC. Environmental advocates who contend that PWC noise compromises the integrity of marine and coastal environments by degrading quality of life, destroying recreational experiences and threatening wildlife, also highlight noise issues.

PWC industry officials, on the other hand, emphasize that technological innovations such as baffles, insulation and resonator-equipped mufflers have significantly reduced PWC noise and that newer models are two to eight times quieter than older ones (PWIA 2000a). Their claims are backed by studies suggesting that, under analogous operating conditions, PWC are no louder than similar motorized vessels (Noise Unlimited 1995) and that PWC comply with all existing noise regulations.