Rules
and Regulations to know, before you rent:
A PWC is a small vessel that uses an inboard jet drive as its primary
source of propulsion, and is designed to be operated by a person
or persons sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel rather than
inside the vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard includes personal watercraft
in the group of inboard vessels less than 16 feet in length.
PWCs
are subject to all of the same laws and requirements of any other
vessel plus a few laws specific to PWCs. Click here for the legal
requirements for PWCs.
Stern: Back of a vessel
Bow: Front of a vessel
Draft: Depth of water needed to float a vessel
Intake: Opening in the hull that draws water toward the
impeller
Intake: Opening in the hull that draws water toward the
impeller
Intake grate: Screening cover over the intake, which prevents
large debris from entering
Drive shaft: The long stem connection between the handlebars
and the impeller
Impeller: Device used to force water in a desired direction
under pressure
Steering nozzle: Device used for directing the stream of
water to the left or right at the stern of the PWC, which steers
the PWC
Operating
a Personal Watercraft:
Although
a personal watercraft (PWC) is considered an inboard powerboat
and operators must follow the same rules and requirements that
apply to any other power-driven vessel, there are specific considerations
for the PWC operator.
Steering
and Stopping a PWC:
Most PWCs have a steering nozzle at the back of the unit. The
nozzle is controlled by a handle bar that directs the stream of
water from right to left. When the steering control is turned
right, the steering nozzle is turned right. The force of the water
stream leaving the nozzle then pushes the back of the vessel to
the left, which causes the PWC to turn right. The most important
thing to remember about steering most PWCs, and other jet-drive
vessels, is that you must always have power in order to maintain
control. If you allow the engine to return to idle or shut-off
during operation, you lose all steering control. The PWC will
continue in the direction it was headed before the throttle was
released or the engine was shut off, no matter which way the steering
control is turned. Always allow plenty of room for stopping. Just
because you release the throttle or shut off the engine does not
mean you will stop immediately.
Before
You Go Out On Your PWC:
Operating a personal watercraft carries the same responsibilities
as operating any other vessel. Before taking your PWC out on the
water you should:
Do
not forget that in addition to obeying all boating laws, the PWC
operator must adhere to laws specific to personal watercraft.Do
not operate a PWC in shallow water. Doing so damages both your
PWC and the environment.
Environmental
Considerations:
When
operating your personal watercraft, always consider the effect
you may have on the environment:
- Do not operate a PWC in shallow water. Bottom sediments or aquatic
vegetation can be sucked into the water pump and damage your PWC
and the environment.
- Operate at slow speed and avoid creating a wake, which can cause
erosion when operating near shore or in narrow streams or rivers.
- Do not dock or beach your PWC in reeds and grasses. This could
damage fragile environments.
- Take extra care when fueling your PWC in or near the water.
Oil and gasoline spills are very detrimental to the aquatic environment.
Fuel on land if possible.
- Never use your PWC to disturb, chase or harass wildlife.
Reboarding
a Capsized PWC:
PWCs
are designed to allow you to fall off and reboard from the rear
of the craft. Sometimes after a fall, the PWC could be completely
overturned. When this occurs, you should be familiar with the
proper procedure to right the PWC.
Most manufacturers have placed a decal at the rear or bottom of
the craft that indicates the direction to roll your PWC to an
upright position. If no decal exists, check your owners
manual or ask the dealer. With this information you should be
able to roll the PWC over and reboard with little trouble. If
you roll it over the wrong way, you could cause serious damage
to your PWC. It is a good idea to practice reboarding with someone
else around to make sure you can handle it alone. Also, avoid
riding your PWC when you are very tired, because reboarding will
be difficult. Also avoid riding where there are strong currents
or winds, which could hamper your reboarding efforts.
Reboarding
a PWC:
Look for the decal on the rear of the PWC to determine
that direction to roll it back to an upright position.
Because
a PWC is very maneuverable it is possible for a PWC to get into
trouble fast. Here are some important things to do when operating
a PWC:
- Do not ride too closely behind another PWC. If it turns sharply
or if it stalls you could collide with it; if the other rider
falls off you could run over him or her.
- Always look behind you over both shoulders before making turns;
another vessel may be too close behind you.
- Be aware of all traffic in your boating area; dont focus
just on the short distance ahead.
- Always remember that operating a PWC has the same responsibilities
as operating any other vessel.
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