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22 ■ Chapter 3 Operating a Personal Watercraft Although a personal watercraft (PWC) is considered an inboard vessel and operators must follow the same rules and requirements that apply to other vessels, there are additional, specific considerations for the PWC operator. Steering and Stopping a PWC ◆ PWCs are propelled by a jet drive where water is drawn into a pump and then forced out under pressure through a steering nozzle at the back of the unit. This "jet" of pressurized water is directed by the steering control—when the steering control is turned, the steering nozzle turns in the same direction. For example, if the steering control is turned right, the nozzle turns right and the jet of water pushes the back of the vessel to the left, which causes the PWC to turn right. ◆ The most important thing to remember about steering most PWCs (and other jet-drive vessels) is that you always must have power in order to maintain control. If you allow the engine on these PWCs to return to idle or shut off during operation, you lose all steering control. The PWC will continue in the direction it was headed before the throttle was released or the engine was shut off, no matter which way the steering control is turned. ◆ Always allow plenty of room for stopping. Just because you release the throttle or shut off the engine does not mean you will stop immediately. Even PWCs that have a braking system do not stop immediately. Courtesy on the Water While these rules of courteous operation are especially important for PWC operators, they apply to all other vessel operators as well. ◆ Jumping the wake of a passing boat, or riding too close to another PWC or boat, creates risks and is restricted or even prohibited in some states. (See page 35 for more requirements specific to PWCs.) Here's why. • The boat making the wake may block the PWC operator's view of oncoming traffic and also conceal the PWC operator from approaching vessels. • It can be very stressful for boat operators to have PWCs continually in close proximity to their boats. • Wake jumping and riding too close to other vessels are common complaints others have against PWC operators. ◆ Do not attempt to spray others with the wake of your PWC. Not only is this discourteous, but it is also dangerous and reckless operation. ◆ Excessive noise from personal watercraft often makes them unwelcome with other vessel operators, as well as with people on shore. Here are some tips on how you can be a courteous PWC operator. • Vary your operating area, and do not keep repeating the same maneuver. • Avoid congregating with other PWC operators near shore, which increases annoying noise levels. • Avoid making excessive noise near residential and camping areas, particularly early in the morning. Excessive use in one area can be an irritant to people who are there to enjoy a quiet and relaxing time. • Avoid maneuvers that cause the engine exhaust to lift out of the water because that increases noise levels. • Do not modify your engine exhaust system if it increases the noise. Improperly modified exhausts will not make your PWC faster and may raise the noise to an illegal level. ◆ Share the waterways responsibly with other boaters, fishermen, swimmers, surfers, or skiers. Respect their right to use the waterways safely and enjoyably. steering control steering nozzle Before You Go Out on Your PWC Operating a personal watercraft carries the same responsibilities as operating any other vessel. Before taking your PWC out on the water, you should: ✓ Read and understand the owner's manual. ✓ Take time to review the video most PWC manufacturers provide. ✓ Inspect your PWC periodically, and perform necessary maintenance to keep it in good operating condition. ✓ Be aware of all local, state, and federal laws that apply to PWCs. See Chapter 4 for more about these legal requirements. ✓ Do not forget that in addition to obeying all boating laws, the PWC operator must adhere to laws specific to personal watercraft. wake Waves that a vessel leaves behind as it moves through the water Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

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