PWCs — A Little Safety Will Go A Long Way

By Tom Nunes

Personal water craft — three words that elicit such a wide range of emotions to those of us who participate in recreational boating and recreational boating safety. Just three little words, and an even shorter acronym – PWC: One would have never suspected!

Ask at any public boat ramp or marina what people think of PWCs, and you'll hear everything from "greatest invention since the outboard motor" to "they should be shot on sight."

Obviously, we don't want to encourage people to violence, but we also need to put PWCs, their use, and their misuse in the proper perspective.

Cars vs. Motorcycles

The PWC issue is akin to the car vs. motorcycle controversy that has raged ever since these vehicles (motorcycles) were introduced. Millions of Americans not only enjoy their motorcycles, but also drive them responsibly.

But, as with any tool, toy or object, there are those who do not. These are the same people who weave in and out of traffic to get ahead.

It's the same people who drive like madmen, at dangerous speeds, and are a danger to themselves, their backseat riders and other cars and pedestrians.

But, should we outlaw their use? Obviously we haven't, but what many states have done is create laws that govern their use and the safety issues that surround their use.

Most states have helmet laws, prohibit riding more than two motorcycles abreast, and the aforementioned weaving. Some states have enacted additional safety laws, some less.

Many states require a different driver's license (or class of license) to be permitted to drive a motorcycle In order to get each type of driver’s license, in addition to a written exam, a driving test is required.

So it would seem that for all concerned, America, or specifically the states, has found a compromise between safety and use. And still, there are those who insist on violating these compromises. It is these individuals who tarnish the image of the motorcycle.

Boats vs. PWCs

As it is with the motorcycle controversy, the PWC is facing many of the same problems. Safety, use and misuse are ignored, trampled or fastidiously obeyed.

Some of the objections are speed issues, damage to the environment, noise pollution, and a general disregard for the “Rules of the Road.”

What has happened is instead of finding compromises, the National Park Service, and jurisdictions have just banned the use of PWCs in some areas. The pendulum has swung very high in the arc.

The PWC community has fought back. But, whether you are for or against these bans, PWC users and supporters need to understand the realities of their vessels.

Licensure

Many states require licenses for those who wish to operate PWCs. Licensure typically requires taking a PWC course (several Coast Guard Auxiliary courses are approved). There is currently no on-the-water test.

Some states have even gone so far as to include all boaters (a good thing); others are focusing solely on PWC users. Since the criteria for a license is taking an approved boating-safety course, shouldn’t all boaters take the course?

Safety On The PWC

Safety issues of PWCs are addressed in a number of different ways. From the Federal equipment requirements, to individual state requirements, PWCs are vessels and are required to carry items such as visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, audible signaling devices (whistles), and PFDs — just to name a few.

Other laws include noise-abatement issues, outlawing the use of these vessels after sunset and before sunrise (PWCs are not required to have lights, and thus are not permitted to be used when navigation lights are required). In addition, to protect marshes and wetlands, certain areas have been restricted.

Safety issues such as those already mentioned can best be addressed through public education. The Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Vessel Safety Check is one good example of public education.

This program, which is voluntary, lets qualified auxiliarist(s) review how the boat stacks up against federal and state requirements. This is done with the owner/users of the PWC (or any boat).

The owner is guided through a checklist, and if they pass the check, they are awarded a sticker showing that they have complied with all federal and state laws.

Should they fail the Vessel Safety Check, only the boat owner/operator is told what they are missing. No report is given to any law-enforcement agency.

We then suggest that owners correct any noted deficiencies. In my experience, the PWC owners are more than interested in having the correct equipment.

At the same time that we check for equipment we suggest other safety concerns (float plans, accident reporting, etc) and also suggest a boating-safety course.

A Little Safety And —

So, by using some good judgment, abiding by the laws, and relating all actions back to the core issue in recreational boating, which is, “Is what I’m about to do safe?”, PWCs, power boats, sailboats, and all users of our waterways will be happier and safer together.

To learn more about boating safety, federal rules and requirements, the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary, either contact your local Coast Guard Station or Auxiliary Flotilla, or find us on the web at http://www.uscg.mil or http://www.cgaux.org.

Have a safe boating season!