Personal Water Craft

A personal water craft (PWC) is a recreational watercraft that the rider sits or stands on, rather than inside of, as in a boat. Models have an inboard engine driving a pump jet that has a screw-shaped impeller to create thrust for propulsion and steering. They are often referred to by the names Wave Runner, Jet Ski, or Sea-Doo, which are brand names owned by Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Bombardier, respectively. Because of their relatively low cost and the freedom they afford to owners PWC are widely used for recreation; over 120,000 people use PWC in the UK every year.

Although the number of fatal accidents involving PWC remains low, it can still be a dangerous activity if the rider is unprepared, inexperienced or strays into beach and swimming zones. PWC riders should always wear a lifejacket, even in calm conditions. They should familiarise themselves with the collision regulations before taking to the water so as not to endanger other water users. For their own safety they should also check that the PWC itself and the additional equipment they carry is all in good working order.

For more information on safety, training, and advice on where to launch, contact the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) who are the national representative body for PWC, or the Personal Water Craft Partnership (PWP), a committee made up of industry experts whose aim is to expand and support PWC activities.