2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook - (Page 66)

Operating Rules for PWC Operators Respect the Environment Personal watercraft can go into shallow waters, but can damage the environment when doing so. The wake of a PWC can erode the shoreline, and operating PWC in shallows and marshes can disturb wildlife. Avoid riding your PWC in or near environmentally sensitive areas or disturbing wildlife. If you must operate in areas like these, go slowly! Avoiding Hazards Remember, it’s not possible to steer a PWC when you release the throttle, and that fact can create dangerous situations. When facing a potential collision hazard, you may attempt to slow and turn the craft by releasing the throttle and turning the handlebars away from the hazard. But, because PWC have no rudder, turning the craft requires engine power. If you slow down too much, the craft continues on a straight course directly towards the hazard, regardless of the way you’re trying to steer it. Slowing down and trying to turn is instinctual; you must overcome the urge to do this and learn proper evasive maneuvers. When approaching a hazard, continue engaging the throttle and execute a turn away from the danger. You must practice this in order for it to become a second nature. Be Courteous Personal watercraft aren’t particularly loud, but they’re not silent either. Constant PWC noise, especially from several in the same area, can be annoying because of the quality of the sound. The noise from your PWC may also annoy shore-side residents, especially if you start riding too early in the morning. Be considerate of the people on the shoreline. Operating alone or in a group continuously in the same area for long periods of time will cause more annoyance the longer you are there. Be especially mindful when riding close to shore, near anchored or moored boats, or around boaters trying to fish. Also be careful around water skiers. You can ruin a water skier’s ride if the tow boat must power down or turn suddenly because your PWC came too close. Remember, while you may be seeking a thrilling day, others around you may just want to have a quiet day on or near the water. With a whole lake or river available, the personal watercraft operator does not need to restrict his or her operation to one area, so move on. Stopping PWC have no braking mechanism. Simply put, if you wish to stop your PWC you must either execute a sharp turn or allow the craft to glide to a stop. At 60 M.P.H. it will take a PWC nearly 300 feet to glide to a stop, depending on the operator’s weight and other factors. Practice stopping to get a clear idea of how long it takes you to stop on your machine. Slow down well in advance when you are nearing shore or a dock. Troubleshooting/Emergencies Reserve Fuel Tank Remember the rule of thumb for fuel allocation from the previous lesson on trip planning? It applies to PWC too. Use one-third of the tank going out, one-third for returning and one-third in reserve. Many PWC are equipped with a fuel reserve switch (newer models have a fuel gauge). This allows a margin of safety when you run low on fuel. If you run out of fuel, switching to reserve provides fuel to get back to shore. Don’t take chances when you’re operating on reserve, and don’t plan on using the reserve tank as the last 1/3 of a tank you set aside in your pre-trip planning because reserves are often much smaller than that. REMEMBER TO RESET THE SWITCH ONCE YOU’VE FILLED UP AGAIN! Operate Safely Stay away from trouble—that means, keep well away from other boats, other PWC, and swimmers. Remember that the sun and glare off the water can cause your vision to narrow and you may miss something in the water that is not directly in front of you. Keep a constant lookout and be aware of your surroundings. Never play “chicken” on a PWC. Never jump wakes close to other boats! Give fellow boaters and PWC operators a safety buffer in order to avoid potential collisions. Avoid loitering in the area of boat ramps, marinas and channels. Refrain from forcing larger craft to maneuver unnecessarily or excessively. YOU CAN OPERATE YOUR PWC RESPONSIBLY AND STILL HAVE FUN! RECKLESSLY OPERATING YOUR PWC IS NOT ONLY DANGEROUS, IT IS ILLEGAL! Capsized Craft When you capsize, you need to set your craft upright and re-mount. The PWC should have stopped if you were wearing the engine cut-off lanyard. Never attempt to right the PWC while it is running. To determine the correct way to right your PWC consult the owner’s manual 66 Be Aware of Cold Water Getting wet is part of the fun of riding a PWC, but remember that cold water kills, and New York has plenty of cold (below 60°) water. If you’re riding a PWC in the spring, early in the summer or fall, consider purchasing a wet suit; you’ll be more comfortable, and you’ll be much safer if you fall in.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook

2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook
Contents
Introduction
Boats and Motors
Registration of Boats
Equipment
Fueling and Ventilation
Safe Loading and Powering
Preparation for Getting Underway
The Marine Environment
Rules of the Road
Boat Operations
Seamanship
Navigation
Personal Watercraft
Boating Related Activities
Accidents and Emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter Review Questions Answers

2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook

https://www.nxtbookmedia.com