A Course for Safe Boating

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California Boating A Course for Safe Boating 89
Chapter 4 u Personal Watercraft
Safety Mechanisms
Most personal watercraft are equipped with cut-off switches that must be
attached to the operator by a lanyard. If the rider falls off, the cutoff switch
engages and shuts off the engine. The PWC engine will stop, and the water-
craft will glide to a stop nearby.
Other personal watercraft have an automatic idle and self-circling device. If
the rider falls off, this will make the vessel circle slowly in the area until the
rider can reboard. Operating a PWC equipped with a self-circling device is
prohibited if the device has been altered.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND
PERSONAL SAFETY
Similar to powerboat operators, PWC operators have the primary
responsibility for preventing accidents, and must have the following safety
equipment:
ƒ ƒ A Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher, good for gasoline and oil fires.
ƒ ƒ Sound signaling device—a whistle attached to your life jacket, or a stored
signal horn.
ƒ ƒ A backfire flame arrestor that is clean and well secured.
ƒ ƒ Ventilation of the engine compartment—in order to clear the compartment
of fumes, you should ventilate by opening storage spaces and seat for at
least four minutes before starting the engine, and after refueling.
ƒ ƒ Visual distress signals if your boat is 16 feet or longer (for coastal
waters only).
Every person on board a PWC and any person towed behind a vessel must
wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in serviceable condition and of a type
and size appropriate for the conditions and the activity being engaged in.
Exceptions: a person aboard a personal watercraft or being towed behind a
vessel, if that person is a performer in a professional exhibition, or preparing
to participate in an official regatta, marine parade, tournament or exhibition.
Instead of wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, any person engaged in
slalom skiing on a marked course, or any person engaged in barefoot, jump,
or trick water skiing may choose to wear a wetsuit designed for the activity
and labeled by the manufacturer as a water ski wetsuit. A Coast Guard-
approved life jacket must be carried in the tow vessel for each skier choosing
to wear a wetsuit.
EXAMPLE
Jet pump action is similar to letting
go of an untied balloon. Imagine
blowing up a balloon and letting it
go. The air rushing out propels the
balloon. A jet pump operates in the
same fashion. Water, rushing through
the pump, propels the personal
watercraft forward.
REMEMBER
To maintain good awareness and
judgment:
 Beware of natural things that can
cause stress, such as wind, sun,
noise and motion.
 Do not drink alcohol and operate a
PWC.
 It is against the law for anyone
under the age of 21 to drink alcohol.
 If you are convicted of being under
the influence and operating a PWC,
you can lose the privilege of getting
or keeping your driver’s license.