Personal Watercraft Safety Course

Personal Watercraft Safety Course

Operating A PWC While Under Way

„ „ Check the water depth. Never operate the PWC in shallow water because materials may be sucked up from the bottom causing damage to the pump. The natural environment including plants, animals and soils can also be harmed. Manufacturers recommend operating in a minimum depth of 18 to 24 inches of water that is free of debris and weeds. „ „ Check for other boats, swimmers, and people being towed. Be cautious when turning: look to both sides and aft. „ „ Check and obey the speed laws, right of way, navigation markers, and signs. „ „ Check your noise. Be courteous, limit noise by not boating in one place for too long. „ „ Check and monitor weather and water conditions, including: tides, river flows, wind, visibility, ocean swells and waves, storm conditions, and debris in the water. „ „ Check the current or water flow. Avoid strong currents as they can be hazardous to riders trying to reach and reboard the watercraft. „ „ Check the waterway. Avoid rocky areas and jetties because of unpredictable currents and a possible collision. „ „ Check the fuel; conserve to make sure you can get back to shore. Remember the one-third rule: one-third of a tank out, one-third back in, and one-third for safety. „ „ Check the time. Return before dark or before you are too tired.

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