A Course for Safe Boating

California Boating

Chapter 4

Personal Watercraft

PWC NAVIGATIONAL RULES

AND

AIDS

Navigational Rules

Operating a personal watercraft in some ways is a lot like driving a vehicle,

because you must follow rules of the road and obey signs. But operating a

PWC is also different from driving a car or motorcycle, because when you

release the vessel’s throttle, you lose steering ability and you have no brakes

to help you stop.

Meeting head-on

When two boats meet head-on, each must keep to the

right (starboard).

Crossing

When crossing, the boat to the right has the right-of-way,

just like a car at an intersection, and is the stand-on

vessel. The stand-on vessel continues on a steady course

and speed. The give-way vessel should slow and turn to

starboard if necessary, and carefully pass the stand-on

vessel astern (behind it).

Overtaking another

boat

When you overtake another boat from behind (the

stern), you are the give-way vessel. The boat being

overtaken should hold course and speed. Pass with care

on the right or left of the stand-on vessel.

Right-of-way

Other boats, such as commercial fishing boats, deep-

draft ships, sailboats, or other non-motorized vessels

cannot maneuver as well and have the right-of-way over

personal watercraft.

Navigational Aids

Buoys and signs mark the waterways for all vessels (see page 42). When

operating a PWC, the most important signs to recognize are the ones that read

“NO WAKE” and “5 MPH.” All boaters must obey these signs.

HEAD-ON SITUATION

CROSSING SITUATION

OVERTAKING SITUATION

stand-on

vessel

give-way

vessel

stand-on vessel

give-way vessel