Watercraft Safety

Air Date: 4/19/2004

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National Transportation Safety Board Study

Over 100,000 PWC are sold annually, and more than a million are in current operation. Although the overall number of recreational boating fatalities has been declining in recent years, the number of PWC-related fatalities has been increasing. PWC are the only type of recreational vessel for which the leading cause of fatalities is not drowning; in PWC fatalities, more persons die from blunt force trauma than from drowning.

The increase in fatalities and the distinctive way in which fatalities occur prompted the National Transportation Safety Board to examine the nature of PWC accidents. The Board analyzed 814 (one-third) of 1997 reported accidents, and examined all of the data for 1996 reported accidents. Following are some conclusions from this study.

• Because 4 out of 10 accident-involved operators were injured, there appears to be a high risk of injury associated with PWC.
• One third of the injuries occurred in the lower extremities. Head, neck and facial injuries accounted for 1 of every 4 injuries.
• Accident reports reviewed by the Study highlight problems of operator control during off-throttle steering situations. Some portion of operator control problems may be attributed to the operating design of PWC. The Study recommends that manufacturers consider items such as off-throttle steering, braking and padded handlebars.
• The high usage of personal flotation devices among PWC riders was reflected in the low number of PWC fatalities who drowned. Most PWC operators who do drown are not wearing a personal flotation device.
• 84 percent of PWC operators in the 1997 sample reported receiving no boating instruction. If more recreational boaters were trained, the number of persons killed or injured in recreational boating accidents, including those involving PWC, would be reduced.
• Operators of rented PWC had less PWC experience than did operators of privately owned PWC.

Safety Equipment

All inboard craft must carry the following items:

• Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each person aboard. (Type III vests, the most popular among PWC enthusiasts, are not designed to turn unconscious wearers face up, but allow greater freedom than Types I or II)
• Fully charged portable B-1 type fire extinguisher
• Efficient sound-producing device (whistle or horn) for signaling or warning

In addition, the following items are strongly recommended to carry or wear aboard the craft:

• PWC owner's manual
• Boating safety course certificate
• Local chart
• Small waterproof first-aid kit
• Emergency repair supplies—basic tools, spare lanyard, strong tape, spare spark plugs, oil, spray lubricant and cleaner
• Visual distress signal (flare, brightly colored cloth or flag, signaling mirror)
• Tow rope
• Plastic one gallon fuel can
• Telescoping oar
• Anchor
• Sunscreen with UV protection
• Wet suit for water below 70†—Neoprene pants for warmer water
• Helmet (required for racing)—A high percentage of injuries are head injuries
• Sunglasses or goggles
• Nonskid shoes or boots (for example, neoprene "wet-booties")
• Gloves
• Waterproof watch

Before Leaving Home

• Study your owner's manual to learn all you can about your PWC.
• Inspect your craft and make necessary repairs.
• File a float plan with a close neighbor or friend. Instruct them to alert the Coast Guard or local Search and Rescue agency if you do not arrive home when expected.
• Check:
  • That the steering controls are operating properly
  • For hull damage
  • That the throttle works freely and returns to idle position when released
  • The hoses, hose connections and clamps
  • The battery and cable connections
  • For fuel and oil leaks
  • For adequate fuel and oil levels—the jump pump cover and inlet grate for looseness
  • That the engine cover latches are secure

Before Leaving Shore

At the launch ramp

• It helps to have someone in the car, and someone at the water.
• Prepare your PWC as much as possible before taking your turn in line. Remove the craft cover. Remove the seat for a few minutes to allow gas fumes to vent. Undo the stern (not bow) tie-downs. Unplug the trailer lights. Make sure the PWC drain plugs are in place. Visually inspect your PWC from bow to stern.
• Be courteous. Wait your turn at the ramp. Don't rush, but don't linger longer than necessary.
• Make sure the way is clear before launching. Look for other craft, debris, etc.
• Be prepared to ride clear of the launch area immediately and to secure the PWC out of the way of others.
• Never leave the trailer unattended on the ramp with only the parking brake set.

In the water

• Make sure you and your riders are wearing the proper gear, including PFDs. Most PWC operators who drown are not wearing a PFD.
• Attach the kill switch safety lanyard to your PFD or wrist. If you fall off, the PWC will come to a stop.
• Before starting the engine, check that the throttle control and handlebars are operating smoothly, and that the steering nozzle turns properly in both directions.
• The engine should be started in at least three feet of water to avoid stirring up the ground or damaging the jet pump. Run your engine for several seconds to get the water out.
• Maintain idle speed for at least 100 yards from shore and until you're in a clear area.

Practice before taking off

• Make sure that you and your riders are familiar with the PWC. If you or a rider are operating a particular craft for the first time, practice in an area that is clear of other craft and obstacles before venturing off into deeper water.
• Start slowly. The engine will run at idle if there is no pressure on the throttle, and the craft will normally move forward at several miles per hour. To increase speed, gently squeeze the throttle.
• Turn in different directions, and at different speeds. Practice shifting your weight as you turn, as when riding a bicycle. PWC models vary in how they respond to rider position.
• Practice coming to a stop at a low speed to see how the craft behaves. Notice that without power you can't steer. In addition, notice that the craft does not come to an immediate stop. PWC (like other boats) have no brakes - when you turn off the engine, the distance the craft travels before coming to a complete stop depends on hull design, the original speed, water conditions, and total craft weight, including everyone and everything aboard.
• Make sure that you and your rider are completely comfortable with maneuvering the craft before increasing speed and traveling further offshore.

Cruising Safely and Considerately

Be Safe

• Know the load limits for your PWC. Never carry more weight or riders than specified in your manual. (A skier counts as a rider.)
• Never allow a person who does not meet your state's licensing requirements to operate your PWC.
• Study the local navigation chart beforehand. Know the location of hazards such as rocks, buoys, sandbars and submerged objects, such as pilings.
• If possible, travel with another PWC. Maintain a safe distance while moving.
• If possible, stay within sight of the shore.
• Obey local regulations. Stay clear of areas designated "off-limits" to PWC. Obey posted speed limits.
• Approach objects, such as a dock or a boat, at an angle, not head on. The momentum of a PWC continues even after the engine is turned off. An angle approach can help prevent a collision if the craft does not come to a complete stop in time.
• Don't jump the wake of a passing boat. You could misjudge its speed and hit it. In addition, you might not see traffic on the other side of the boat.
• Never operate a PWC at night. PWC have no running lights, which are required for craft traveling at night.A three-member team is required when pulling a water skier - the driver, observer and skier. Learn the communication signals between skier and craft (right). Turn off the power when assisting a skier back onto your PWC.

Be Alert

• Stay constantly alert for other craft, swimmers, divers, water skiers and people fishing.

Keep Clear

• Be on the lookout for adverse weather conditions — darkening skies, rain, fog, increasing winds. Reduce speed and head toward shore at the first sign of change.
• Keep an eye on your fuel gauge. Leave enough fuel to return home.
• Be aware of the time. Leave enough time to return home before dark.
• A day on the water can take a toll on the body. Know the symptoms of boater's fatigue and hypothermia. Head to shore at the first sign of physical impairment.
• Boater's fatigue: Staring straight ahead, loss of awareness, slowed reaction time.
• Hypothermia: Shivering, bluish lips or fingernails, confusion or dizziness, poor coordination, impaired vision, weak pulse.

Be Considerate

• Stay clear of marinas or port entrances, anchorage’s or areas of heavy boat traffic.
• Don't stay in one location for long periods of time. Continuous noise is a common complaint about PWC.
• Don't operate your PWC early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Don't operate in swimming or fishing areas.
• Don't create wakes near other individuals or boats, or near the shore where they can cause damage to beaches and property. You are responsible for any damage caused by your wake.
• Don't spray people on the shore.
• Respect the environment. Don't spill fuel or oil. Don't litter.
• Respect the wildlife. Stay clear of marine animals and conservation areas.

Emergency Situations

• A capsized PWC may take on water, but it is designed not to sink.
• If you fall from a moving craft, hit the water butt first, with legs together and arms over the head. The safety lanyard, attached to your wrist or life vest, should kill the engine. A running engine can damage the craft and cause injury to you. (If you become separated from the craft and the engine is still running, pull the lanyard off immediately.)
• Exercise caution when righting a craft to avoid injury. Roll the craft over in a clockwise direction to prevent water from the exhaust system from entering the engine.
• In the event of a serious emergency, or if you are injured, stay with the PWC until help arrives. Use your whistle, visual distress signal and/or mirror to attract attention.
• If you carry a cell phone and are in an area patrolled by the Coast Guard, *CG (or, on some phones #CG) will reach the Coast Guard.
• If you carry a handheld combination GPS/VHF unit, you will be able to call for help and provide your exact location.

Safe Boating Classes

Coast Guard Auxiliary
Reno Flotilla
Toll Free - (888) 326-6660
Reno - (775) 852-5557
http://www.renocgaux.org

Note: Holds classes normally on the first Saturday of each month that are open to the public. There is $20 course fee for the 8-hour course. Classes are held at the training room of at IGT. Call the Number above to get into a class. Advanced courses are offered throughout the year on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 pm. The cost for these courses is $40 per year for as many courses as you wish to take. Courses include seamanship, navigation, communications and more.

Carson City Flotilla 11-05
Rick Hutchings
(775) 267-9008
email: rick@ComponentX.com

Scheduled Boating Safety Classes
Saturday,March 6, 2004 from 8 AM to 5 PM
Saturday, May 8, 2004 from 8 AM to 5 PM

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720