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BOATING TERMS
Knowing the following boating terms will help you understand the basics
about some of the boating terminology used.
Port: the left side of a boat when aboard and facing the bow.
Starboard: the right side of a boat when aboard and facing the bow.
Bow: the front of the boat.
Stern: the back of the boat.
Hull: the body of the boat. Forward: toward the bow of the boat.
Aft: toward the rear of the boat.
Deck: any permanent covering over the hull.
Steering Control: the device designed for controlling the direction of
a PWC.
Steerable Nozzle: a device for directing the stream of water from the
jet pump to the left or right at the stern of a PWC.
Throttle: controls speed by regulating the amount of fuel delivered to
the engine.
Lanyard: engine shut-off cord on some PWC usually attached to operator
and PWC.
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT BASICS
THE JET DRIVE
All PWC are powered by a jet drive propulsion system that pumps large
quantities of water. The jet pump works by drawing water into the housing
ahead of the impeller. The impeller is a type of precision propeller
contained within the housing that pressurizes the water as it enters and
forces the water toward the stern of the craft. The force of this exiting
water is what pushes the PWC in the opposite direction. Although PWC do
not have exposed propellers like most other power boats, there are some
precautions that should be taken while operating a PWC:
Keep hands and feet, as well as hair or clothing away from the pump
intake.
Make sure the engine is off before checking the pump intake.
Never operate your PWC in water less than 24 inches.
Jet drives require water deep enough so that debris and other particles
will not be sucked off the bottom into the jet drive.
STEERING
The handlebars of a PWC control a moveable nozzle at the rear of the
jet pump housing. The steering controls the direction of a high-pressure
stream of water that forces the stern to the left or right. When steering
is turned, the moveable nozzle is turned in the same direction causing the
stern of the PWC to be turned in the opposite direction.
*Remember that when either the power is shut off or the throttle is
released, there is no power to the pump and you will not have the ability
to control steering.
common sense
There are two general rules when operating a PWC:
1) maintain a lookout at all times.
2) always proceed at a safe speed. PWC operators must respect the
rights of others. By exercising basic courtesy and common sense, accidents
can be prevented and negative opinions toward personal watercraft avoided.
The following are several primary areas where PWC operators should
exercise common sense.
PWC Operators must constantly keep a sharp lookout for other vessels,
swimmers and other objects at all times. Operators should avoid "tunnel
vision" by constantly looking all around to avoid potentially hazardous
situations.
PWC operators are responsible for any damage to other boats and
shoreline property caused by the operation of their watercraft as a result
of its wake. When operating a PWC near swimming areas, beaches, marinas,
docking areas and waterfront residences, pay particular attention to your
speed. Many areas are marked with posted speed limits and NO WAKE signs or
buoys. These markers signal the PWC operator to proceed at a minimal
speed, usually five miles per hour or less.
The noise caused by a PWC is the most common complaint among the public
and one of the major reasons cited for regulating PWC activity. When
operating a PWC in areas where the public is present, be careful not to do
maneuvers that cause excessive noise and avoid riding in residential or
camping areas, waterfront high-rise building areas, and in early morning
or late evening hours.
Never operate a PWC while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Over
half of all boating related accidents and fatalities are alcohol related.
PWC operators should have the physical ability and maturity to drive a
motorboat. Check your owners manual for the manufacturers suggested
operating age of your PWC.
WAKE JUMPING
Jumping the wakes of other boats is another common complaint against
PWC and is extremely risky. Loss of control and lack of visibility may
occur when a PWC jumps a wake. The practice of wake or wave jumping is
discouraged.
FALLING OFF
A PWC operator may occasionally take an unexpected spill. When this
happens one of two things may happen:
1) Since the impeller of a jet drive engine turns at idle speed when
the engine is ON or in "neutral", the engine will cause the PWC to slowly
continue in a self-circling motion until retrieved, OR
2) The stop lanyard (also called a "kill-switch" or "life-line")
attached to the PWC lanyard terminal and to the operators wrist or PFD
will automatically shut off the engine when the operator falls off. After
falling off, reboard your PWC by swimming to the rear of the craft and
placing your hands on the gunwale or hand-grip. Pull yourself up on the
deck pad and kneel down. Move to the seat and sit astride. Reattach your
lanyard (if applicable) and restart your engine. If the engine is stalled
or will not restart, signal another vessel for a tow to shore. If
capsized, follow the "righting" directions in your owner's manual.
Generally, you should "right" your vessel by rotating it clockwise when
viewed from the aft. Always stay with your vessel. When possible, wait to
repair your craft on shore, as the waves or wakes may easily sink your
watercraft.
PULLING A WATERSKIER
When pulling a waterskier with a PWC, you should always have an
observer or "spotter" (who faces astern) with you to keep an eye on the
waterskier. This is the law in most states. Other riders on a PWC must
always wear a PFD and be familiar with its operating procedures and the
NAVRULES. Additionally, since a waterskier is also considered a boater,
the PWC should have the seating capacity of three persons (operator,
observer and waterskier). PWC will likely operate differently while
pulling a waterskier, therefore you should allow for more time to maneuver
your craft. Since it may be difficult to see a skier in the water, always
return to a fallen waterskier as soon as possible.
Always wear a PFD (personal flotation device). It is the law!
Wear proper riding gear (wet suits, goggles/sunglasses, gloves,
footwear/deck shoes). **Wear wet suits to protect against abrasions,
hypothermia and injuries to orifices (rectum and vagina) from impact with
the water surface.
Always wear a small, mouth-operated whistle.
Check fuel levels before starting. Make sure you have enough fuel to
return to shore.
Operators and passengers should always keep both feet on footrest
floor.
Make sure an approved fire extinguisher is aboard and in proper working
order.
Board your PWC according to manufacturer recommendations.
Attach the stop lanyard to the PWC lanyard terminal (if applicable),
and to your wrist or PFD.
Never operate your PWC in less than 2 feet of water.
Never go out alone. Use the buddy system.
Never operate your PWC after dark or before sunrise.
Know your limitations and those of your PWC.
Always follow markers and signs, and observe the NAVRULES.
PWC & THE ENVIRONMENT
PWC operators should always observe the following guidelines to reduce
pollution and impact on the environment:
Always refuel on land to minimize overspill of oil or gasoline on the
water.
Reduce speed in shallower areas to minimize disturbance to the water
bottom and erosion to shorelines caused by your wake.
Stay clear of vegetated areas. Running into vegetation can damage the
intake and lead to subsequent damage and erosion to shorelines.
Limit the noise caused by your PWC when close to shore as it may
disturb birds and other wildlife.
Clean plant fragments and other debris from boat and trailer when going
from salt water to fresh water.
Remember to also remove water from the compartment bilge and storage
areas.
SO GO OUT AND HAVE A GOOD TIME.
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