Guidance

Prior to entering the water

• To protect other water users, and due to high noise levels generated, PWC may be subject to specific local bye-laws issued by harbour boards, local authorities or local councils restricting their speed or areas of operation. It is the responsibility of PWC operators to be familiar with the relevant bye-laws in force in waters they use. Failure to do so could reuslt in a £1000 fine. Standardised signage at launch points should provide details.
• Check the weather/sea condition forecast before starting out.
• Always complete a safety checklist prior to departure to ensure you have all the necessary equipment and that it is in full working order.
• Ensure all engine access and storage doors are correctly secure and sealed.
• Be aware of the correct procedures for launching from and recovery of a PWC using a trailer.
• Operators should be familiar with and have practised the procedure for righting a capsized boat. Rolling a craft the wrong way may result in water entering into the engine, causing serious damage to it and rendering the PWC inoperative.
  
  
  

Emergency Procedures

• In the event of falling off the craft into cold water, re-board immediately. Immersion in cold water can result in a life threatening drop in body temperature (hypothermia). Hypothermia can also be caused by wind chill, rain and perspiration. To avoid this danger, prepare by dressing correctly, including wetsuit/drysuit, hand/foot protection and lifejacket.
• If in difficulty remain with your PWC. Do not try and swim to shore in cold water unless you are very close to safety and you have no expectation of speedy assistance. Swimming and treading water use up valuable energy and produce rapid heat loss. If it is not possible to get out of the water, wearing a PFD or Lifejacket will help increase your survival time by keeping your head above water.
  
  
  

On the Water

• Don't drink or take drugs when riding a PWC: it is illegal to do so and your ability to make quick decisions is impaired. This is critical when operating a fast and manoeuvrable PWC.
• Study the manufacturer's manual and practice handling of your PWC under experienced supervision in open water and well away from other boaters.
• Be alert for the wave, wind, or cloud changes that may signal weather changes.
• Avoid skiing alone, especially at sea.
• A high incidence of PWC accidents involve collisions with other craft. Operators should exercise the utmost caution when approaching other boats and should never manoeuvre at speed in close proximity to other PWC, boats or swimmers.
• Where applicable, use buoyed channels and designated zones.
• If engaged in water skiing or towing a float it is essential to carry an observer. This should be done on craft with a carrying capacity of 3 or more people.
• Always ensure sufficient fuel is on board for any intended trip; plan to return with the fuel tank a third full thereby allowing for any possible emergencies.
• Additional petrol should not be carried on board and no fuel transfer should be attempted once the vessel is afloat.
  
  
  

Offshore Cruising

Subject to suitable weather and sea conditions PWC are capable of undertaking coastal or offshore passages.

• Such passages should be undertaken in company with other PWCs or suitable support boats.
• A nominated person ashore should be aware of departure times, destinations and expected arrival/return times.

It is recommended that the following be carried on board:

• A compass
• A waterproof VHF radio
• A passage plan
• A chart of sea area

The majority of PWC are not fitted with navigation lights, which law requires for operating at night. Therefore their use is restricted to a period between sunrise and sunset.