(a) It is unlawful for the owner of any personal watercraft or any person having charge of or control of a personal watercraft to authorize or knowingly permit these to be operated on the waters of this state by a person in violation of this part.
(b) This part does not apply to a performer engaged in professional exhibition or a person participating in a regatta, race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition, and any rules and regulations issued by the commission.