Basic Boating Information

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PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

PWC are boats and are subject to all the same boating laws as any other type of boat. They are fast and highly maneuverable, and have unique operating characteristics. The operator of a PWC needs to take extra time to learn the operating differences between a traditional powerboat and PWC, especially “Collision Avoidance”.

History

The precursor to the modern personal watercraft is the Kawasaki Jet Ski 400. It was the first model successfully sold and marketed in the world.

What is a PWC?

Definition varies from state to state, but PWC are generally recognized as:

• A vessel, less than 16 feet in length, which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power, and
• Designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting or standing in the vessel.

PWC Manufacturers

PWC and Operators

Nearly all personal watercraft sold today are multi-passenger vessels, with three-seat models the fastest growing segment of the industry.

• PWC are purchased by families who want to spend a day together on the water, and have found PWC to be affordable, approachable, and easy to store, transport, and maintain.
• Many women are purchasing PWC, as they are easy to tow and launch. Women PWC clubs are forming throughout the country.

How many PWC are there?

The National Survey on Recreation and the Environment 2000 reports that 20 million Americans enjoy PWC each year.

• The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NNMA) reports that 80,600 PWC were sold in the U.S. in 2003.
• NMMA estimates that in 2003, there were approximately 1.4 million PWC owned in the U.S. and nearly 75 percent of all PWC sold in 2002 were three-passenger models. Fifty percent of these models featured new-technology engines, such as four-stroke and direct-injection.

Off-Throttle Steering Loss

• Off-Throttle Steering Loss (OTSL) occurs when a PWC operator, faced with a potential collision hazard, attempts to slow and turn the craft by releasing the throttle and turning the handlebars away from the hazard.
• The result is that the craft continues on a straight course directly towards the hazard, regardless of the operator’s steering inputs.
• According to the National Transportation Safety Board, 24% of reported PWC accidents have steering problems or loss of control as contributing factors.

Collision Avoidance

The ability to provide steering control during off-throttle and off-power conditions is known as collision avoidance. A braking device (controlled deceleration) can also be used to prevent a potential collision. Therefore the term Off-Throttle Steering is now replaced by the more general term Collision Avoidance.

PWC Technology Advancements

PWC manufacturers have achieved a 75 percent reduction in hydrocarbon and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions in a matter of years. Today’s PWC are among the most environmentally friendly motorboats on the water. New technology has enabled current models to meet EPA's marine engine standards.

• All PWC manufacturers offer a PWC with a four-stroke engine.
• PWC have always complied with every state and federal sound regulation, and are well within the sound range of other motorboats.
• Today's PWC are up to 70 percent quieter than models from just a few years ago, and manufacturers are working to bring their customers even quieter vessels in the future.

Operational Characteristics and Safety Tips

At the dock, or when idling, 1 and 2 seat PWC are unstable because of their narrow beam and high center of gravity. Be careful getting on and off, as the craft has a tendency to tip. Larger PWC are more stable, but you should still exercise caution.

• Newer models have quieter engines, better fuel economy, and omit less pollution.
• Recent addition of steerable rudders lessens the risk of collision from off-throttle steering loss.
• Each PWC model has its own unique characteristics.
• New operators must read their owner's manual to understand the characteristics of their particular PWC.
• New operators should practice their skills with an experienced operator who can guide them on controlling the PWC and making safe boating decisions.