The Toads Favorite Fire Pads - Safety - The U.S. Coast Guard Personal Watercraft

Welcome Aboard, Captain!

A personal watercraft is a boat, and you're the captain. You are legally in command of a powerboat, and you're bound by the boating rules of the road as well as the laws and traditions of safe boating.

Legal Requirements

The U.S. Coast Guard classifies personal watercraft (PWC) as Class A inboard boats. That means PWC are subject to most of the same rules and requirements as any other powerboat.

Registration

Federal regulations require all personal watercraft to be registered and have an identification number.
PWC Fire Safety

When your registration application is approved, you'll receive your certificate of number, title, and validation sticker (if applicable to your state). Follow state and federal guidelines for displaying validation and registration numbers

Equipment

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are required for each person on board. Choose a properly-fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD and wear it. Coast Guard and state rules also require you to have a fire extinguisher on board. Many craft have a lanyard connected to the start/stop switch. If your craft is equipped with such a switch, it won't start unless the lanyard is attached to it. Never start your engine without attaching the lanyard to your PFD or wrist. If you fall off, the engine automatically stops so your craft won't travel far from you, and you can swim to it easily. It is also recommended that each rider wear eye protection, a wetsuit, footwear, and gloves

No Alcohol or Drugs

Don't operate your personal watercraft under the influence of anything but your good judgement. Alcohol and Drugs reduce your ability to make quick decisions and handel your craft in all situations. Many laws pertaining to driving under the influence are also enforced on the water.

Local Ordinances

It's your responsibility to know and follow local laws and ordinances regarding use of your personal watercraft. Common restrictions that very by state or municipality include age of operator, no wake zones, assigned operating areas, and speed limits. PWC

Think Safe - Ride Safe

Right of way - Follow basic boating guidelines, Sailboats, commercial vessels, and fishing vessels always have the right of way. Stay to the right when approaching an oncoming craft, so that it passes on your left (Port) side. When overtaking another boat, pass on right (starboard) or left (port), but stay clear. If you;re about to cross paths with another boat, the craft on your right has the right of way. Slow down to let the boat on your right continue it's course, the pass behind it.

Awareness - Constantly look about you for other traffic on the water, and especially near you. Know where other boats are and where they're heading before you make a turn or cross a wake.

Wake jumping - If your course takes you across the wake of another boat, make sure your visibility is not obstructed by that boat. Stay far enough behind it so that you can see if other traffic is coming your way.
Operating speed - Follow local regulations regarding speed limits, whether posted or not. In congested areas, lower your speed.
Passengers and Guests - Never carry more then the maximum passenger load specified for your craft. If you loan your craft to a friend, make sure he/she is of legal operating age and that he knows how to operate your craft. Make sure he is fully aware of these safe boating rules.
Maintenance - Check your craft internally and externally before you get on the water. Make sure the throttle and all switches are working properly, that fuel and battery lines are properly connected, that no fuel is leaking, and that cables and steering are functioning.

Considerations

Launch ramp etiquette - Be considerate and efficient when launching your PWC. Prepare your craft beforehand, and preform all safety checks before you get to the water. Launch quickly and quietly.

Noise - Be considerate of waterfront property owners and others near and on the water. Excessive noise from a poorly maintained or modified exhaust system disturbs others and is illegal in many states.

Environment - Respect ecologically-sensitive areas. Don't spill fuel or oil and don't leave litter or other pollutants where they don't belong. Be sensitive to marine life, the water is their home.

Other water enthusiasts - PWC riders must share the waterways with other boaters, fishermen, swimmers, surfers, and skiers, so respect their rights to safety, access, and use and use of water.

Remember to ride responsibly! It's up to you to use your good judgement and obey all local ordinances that apply to you and your watercraft.

	Know your craft and how it operates!
	Know your local boating laws!
	Know navigational marks and signs!
	Know the rules of the road!

If you have any further questions regarding PWC and their safe use, try contacting these organizations for more information:

Personal Watercraft Industry Association - address below
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Personal Watercraft Riders Association
International Jet Sports Association
American Red Cross
Florida Boat Operators' Course
U.S. Power Squardron
Local Sheriff's Office
Local marine Patrol

Produced by:
PWIA

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