Personal Watercraft Safety Course

Remember to maintain good awareness and judgment „ „ Beware of natural stressors such as wind, sun, noise, and motion. „ „ Do not drink alcohol or use drugs and operate a PWC. „ „ It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drink alcohol in California. „ „ If you are stopped for operating a PWC while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you can be cited and your voyage will be terminated. Navigational Rules Driving a PWC is in some ways similar to driving a vehicle because there are rules of the road on the water and signs to obey. Operating a PWC is different from driving a car or motorcycle because there are no familiar lane lines on the water or brakes on your PWC to aid in maneuvering. Crossing rules, basic rules of the road and naviga- tional aids are all important parts of safely navigating on the water. Navigational Rules Meeting head-on When two boats meet head-on, each must keep to the right (starboard). Crossing

When crossing, the boat to the right is the stand-on ves- sel. The stand-on vessel continues on a consistent course and speed. The give-way vessel should slow and turn to starboard if necessary, and carefully pass the stand-on vessel astern. Overtaking another boat When you overtake another boat from behind (the stern of the vessel), you become 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 have less maneuverability and, therefore, are the stand- on vessels over PWCs.

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