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’, 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
| Bombardier (Sea-Doo®) | Yamaha (WaveRunner®) |
| Honda (AquaTrax®) | Kawasaki (JET SKI®) |
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 & safety tips
At the dock, or when idling, 1 and 2 seat PWC are unstable because of its 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.
- 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.
The Basics
Everyone on or being towed by a PWC must wear an approved life jacket (check your state laws).
- Before starting the PWC, check the fuel level, and inspect the engine compartment. Inspect all wiring and fuel lines. Ensure there is no fuel in the bilge.
- Never allow more people on the PWC than recommended by the manufacturer – if it’s a 3-seater; only 3 people are allowed onboard (or 2 if towing a skier).
- Prior to starting the engine, the operators must attach the safety lanyard to either their person (usually the wrist) or to the life jacket. The safety lanyard, when pulled, automatically stops the PWC’s motor. This is an extremely important safety feature. Having the PWC stop within a short distance from where you fell off allows you and your passengers to swim to the PWC and re-board.
- Check all gauges, especially fuel level. Most PWC have a 3-way fuel selector switch - On, Off and Reserve. A smart operator will return for fuel before they ever have to use the reserve fuel! Newer models have a regular gas gauge.
- Your state and local areas have laws and regulations specific to PWC operation and safety, including laws that deal with the preservation of the environment.
Sport the Gear
Wearing the right gear helps make the ride safer and more enjoyable. Common safety gear includes:
| Life jacket | Wet suit |
| Protective eye wear with retainer | Slip resistant protective foot wear |
| Gloves | Whistle |
Equipment Requirement Checklist
Make sure you have all the legally required items onboard before each new outing.
- Life jacket (Type I, II, III or IV) for each person on, or being towed by, the PWC.
- Fully charge USCG-approved Fire Extinguisher.
- Current, valid registration card (certificate of number).
- Properly displayed registration numbers and state validation decal.
- Sound producing device (whistle or air horn).
- In the few states that allow PWC to be operated at night, ensure the navigation lights work.
- For skiing, most states require at least side-view mirrors, and/or a competent observer. You may also be required to fly a skier flag. See the Laws and Safety Equipment section for details.
Starting and Stopping a PWC
- Getting underway is complicated the first few times you operate this type of craft, so go slow and take your time. Remember, boats do not have brakes, and stopping is not always an easy task. Know how to operate the reverse lever and use it to stop or slow the PWC at slow speeds only. For slow maneuvering, “tap” the throttle for small bursts of propulsion while at the same time, steering the craft.
- Generally, the throttle is a small handle on the right side of the handle bar. Most are a pull type handle, but a few require a pushing method.
- Once you start the PWC, let it warm up for a minute or so. A stalled engine prevents you from being able to steer the PWC.
- Start off slowly. Practice in an un-congested area before venturing into areas with other boats. Although you need power to turn, too much power may prevent you from stopping when needed.
- Avoid taking off in shallow water as it may cause the jet pump to suck up debris and damage the pump.
- The most important operating characteristic of a PWC without rudders is this – PWC WILL NOT TURN UNLESS YOU GIVE IT SOME THROTTLE! In other words, when you release the throttle, or the engine stalls – YOU LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER THE CRAFT! Remember this as it may well save you from getting into an accident. Even newer craft, with rudders, won’t turn sharply but the rudders do allow for some maneuverability when the throttle is released.
- Keep clothing, hair, and body parts away from the jet intake.
- When stopping a PWC the operator needs to allow extra distance because the PWC will not stop immediately when engine is turned off or the throttle is released. Many of the newer PWC have a reverse lever that aids in stopping the craft. Using reverse helps control your speed when docking.
Preventing Accidents
- Collisions are the most common type of PWC accident. Always stay well away from other PWC when operating at any speed other than idle. The minimum recommended safe separation distance is 50-feet.
- Don’t operate a PWC at any speed greater than your skills and abilities. Self-sustained injuries (broken bones, sprains, etc) are common with PWC and typically result from wave jumping or fast maneuvers. Novice operators and those renting PWC account for a large portion of accidents.
- PWC are highly maneuverable. The jet drive propulsion system is extremely responsive to slight turns of the handlebars. The responsiveness in maneuvering encourages operators of PWCs to try unusual stunts. These actions are dangerous and beyond the safe operation of the PWC.
- Always look to the side and behind before making turns. When meeting, crossing or overtaking another boat, follow the navigation rules of the road. Always maintain a safe distance from PWC and other boats.
- Wake jumping is dangerous when other boats are nearby. Stay well away.
Safe Operation
- Check all state laws and regulations to ensure you are operating in a legal manner.
- Obey all buoy informational signs. When the sign states "no-wake" - go no-wake!
- Do not operate at high speed around other boaters. According to the US Coast Guard, collisions are the most common type of PWC accidents.
- Stay well away from skiers, anglers, sailboaters or any other type of craft that may perceive your operation as annoying or dangerous to their safety.
- Older PWC models omit unfriendly engine noise. For this reason, never operate a PWC in the same area for more than a minute or two. Disturbing landowners and other boater creates undue stress for everyone. Keep engines well tuned and replace muffling components as needed.
- Most states do not allow a PWC to be operated after sunset or prior to sunrise. Check with your state for legal requirements.
Getting back onboard
- Operators must be able to re-board the PWC while in deep water after falling off. This maneuver is more challenging when the operator is tired and the seas are rough. The weight of the person re-boarding and the stability of the model PWC being used also affect the ease of re-boarding.
- Re-board from the rear (stern) of the craft. Many newer PWC have a retractable built-in stepladder to make the re-boarding process easier.
- If the craft is upside-down, look for a placard on the stern that shows the correct direction to re-right the PWC. Turing it the wrong way will cause damage to the engine.
Towing
- Always follow the established guidelines, and remember to leave an open seat on the PWC for the skier.
- A competent observer and/or rearview mirrors are generally required.
- When pulling a skier, stay well away from other boaters and all shoreline structures (docks, piers, boathouses, pilings, etc). Many accidents happened to the skier because the operator failed to maintain a safe distance.
- Ensure there is plenty of water depth for both the PWC and the skier. Injury could result if the skier falls in shallow water.
- Pulling a skier changes the operating characteristics of the PWC. Start off slowly and learn how to handle your craft while towing someone before you build up speed.
- PWC operation is extremely fun, but it can also be risky it you don’t take the time to practice and learn how to operate within your abilities.
Whether you are sixteen or sixty, PWC are extremely fun to operate. Just remember, they have extra restrictions placed on them, so take the time to learn the rules of safe operation and always ride within your abilities.
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