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Chapter Five – Personal Watercraft and Other Boats
OPERATION OF PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC)
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
“off-throttle” steering.
Definition of a PWC
"Personal watercraft" means a motorboat less than sixteen feet in length which uses an inboard motor powering a jet pump as its primary motive power and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.
Operational characteristics and 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 usually more stable, but you should
still exercise caution.
- Newer models, since 2000, have quieter engines, better fuel economy, and
emit less pollution.
- Recent addition of steerable rudders reduces 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.
Safety
 Everyone on or being towed by a PWC must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or V Hybrid life jacket, as long as it is used in conformance with the labeling instructions on the PFD (No one on, or being towed by a PWC may wear an inflatable life jacket).- 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 operator 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.
- 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 craft.
- 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. Operators must understand these regulations in order to boat
safely and legally.
Getting underway
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.
- 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 allow for some maneuverability when the throttle is released.
- Always start off slowly. Practice in an un-congested area before venturing into areas with other boats.
- Collisions are the most common type of PWC accident, and typically, the
collision is with another PWC. For this reason, stay well away from other
PWC when operating at any speed other than idle.
- Personal injury is another top PWC accident statistic. Don’t operate a
PWC at any speed greater than your skills and abilities. 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 can push the operators to attempt maneuvers that 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 rules of the road (Chapter
4).
- 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” – operate at a no wake speed!
- Do not operate at high speed around other boaters. 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.
- Check all gauges, especially fuel level. Most PWC have a 3-way fuel selector switch (newer models have a fuel gauge). The 3 positions on the selector are: On, Off and Reserve. The reserve tank holds a small amount of fuel that can be used in the event the fuel in the main tank runs out. One-third Rule - A smart operator will use 1/3 of the fuel going out, 1/3 for returning and leave 1/3 of the fuel in reserve – just in case!
- Older PWC models emit 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 boaters creates undue stress for everyone. Keep engines
well tuned and replace muffling components as needed.
- No PWC are allowed to operate after sunset or prior to sunrise, even if
you install after-market light kits. You will get a ticket if caught
operating after sunset.
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.
- Look for a placard attached to the stern showing the correct direction to re-right the PWC. Turning it the wrong way could flood the engine compartment.
Towing with a PWC
The term waterskiing means anything with a rider, being towed by a power vessel by means of a tow rope, tow line or training boom, except another vessel being towed.
General Towing Guidelines:
- Follow the general guidelines shown in Chapter 7, under the heading “Water Skiing, Wakeboarding and Tubing”.
- Attach the ski rope to the “D” ring found on the back of the seat or transom of the PWC.
- Pulling a skier changes the operating characteristics of the PWC. Start off slowly and learn how to handle your PWC while towing someone before you build up speed.
- Ensure there is plenty of water depth for both the PWC and the skier. Injury could result if the skier falls in shallow water.
Know the law
Each state has different laws when it comes to towing with a PWC. See Chapter 2 for your specific state laws.
Here are some examples of PWC towing laws you may encounter if traveling to different states throughout the country:
- There must be an observer (age varies depending on the state in which you are boating) onboard the PWC who is in a position to observe the progress of the skier.
- Many states allow skiing with only with a 3-seat PWC (there must be a seat for the operator, observer and the skier).
- In some states, you aren’t required to have an observer as long as you have side-view mirrors.
- Ski flags (either orange or red) can also be required and must be displayed whenever the skier is being pulled or is in the water.
- The length of the ski rope can be regulated from a minimum of 35 feet to a maximum of 75 feet.
As you can see, the PWC towing laws can be very confusing. If traveling to another state, make sure you know the law for the area in which you will be operating!
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.
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