PWC TrainingPERSONAL WATERCRAFT INFORMATION *

Operating a personal watercraft requires many of the same responsibilities as operating any other powerboat.          As a boater, you'll need to know some things about yourself, your craft, others on the water and what is             expected of you.  The more you learn about boating, the safer and more enjoyable the waters will be for you           and for others.

By practicing safe and responsible boating habits you are creating a positive image of personal watercraft            riders that reflects well on the whole sport.  This is very important in keeping America's waterways open to      personal watercraft riding.

BASICS ABOUT YOUR WATERCRAFT
You're a boater, too.  First things first.  All personal watercraft are officially considered power boats by the U.S. Coast Guard and others.  No matter how simple        they are to ride, under the law, they have the same requirements for registration, regulation, and come under the same laws as other power boats.

PWCs use what is called a jet drive.  The jet drive used in a personal watercraft is somewhat similar to the jet drive on modern aircraft.  The unit is pushed             through the water by the action of a jet pump driven by the engine.  Think about a balloon.  Just as the air exiting a released balloon pushes the balloon in the      opposite direction around the room, the water leaving the jet pump pushes the personal watercraft through the water.

Read your owner's manual before you operate your personal watercraft, it is very important that you read and understand this manual which is specific to your          craft.  It is the best source of information about the operating characteristics for your unit.

PWC BOATING SAFETY TIPS

  • Tell someone where you'll be.  Before you leave on a ride, tell someone where you are going and when you will return.  If you run into problems this                    will help authorities find you.
  • Never go out alone; use the buddy system.  Ride with someone in a boat or on another personal watercraft.
  • Know your limits and ride according to your abilities, not anyone else's.
  • Don't over-do the first few rides.  PWCs are light and agile, but they can wear you down physically.  Limit the amount of time you ride until you become accustomed to the physical demands of your new sport.  Remember, you still have to reload and trailer your PWC home.
  • Don't exceed the load limit.
  • Know how to swim.  If you don't know - learn.
  • Wear your PFD.  Approved PFDs are now stylish, comfortable and practical.  Models are also available for all ages.  They are your best life insurance               on the water.
  • Rescue - If someone is in trouble in the water, use elementary rescue methods first, such as throwing something that floats to the victim.  Only as a last       resort should you enter the water to save someone.  Even then, take a buoyant object like a PFD with you.  As a boater you are obligated to render        assistance to someone in distress.

*This information was gathered from, "Personal Watercraft - Rider's Handbook"
Copyright © 1994 by Marketing Resources Group International, Inc. (407) 645-2611.

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Last edited:  04.10.2008 06:45:17 AM
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