If you allow the engine on a PWC or other jet-propelled vessel to return to idle or shut off during operation, you may lose all steering control. Many PWC will continue in the direction they were headed before the throttle was released or the engine was shut off, no matter which way the steering control is turned.

The vessel operator is responsible for acting in a prudent and reasonable manner consistent with the ordinary practices of boating. Stay active. Stay alert. Respect the weather, the water, your passengers, fellow boaters, divers, swimmers, and property owners.

PWC operator

When two vessels are operating in the same general area, who is responsible for avoiding collision? The operators of both vessels. How do you know when you are operating a vessel at a safe speed? You have enough time to avoid a collision.

What will happen if you shut off the engine? The PWC will not stop until it runs out of gas. The PWC will lose all buoyancy and turn over. You will go in reverse.

Operating a PWC carries the same responsibilities as operating any other vessel. Before taking your PWC out on the water, you should: Not forget that in addition to obeying all boating laws, the PWC operator must adhere to laws specific to PWC.

Towing a skier behind a PWC rated for 3 people with two persons on board is a safe action for a PWC. PWC is a personal watercraft which is also called water scooter, jet ski, and boatercycle.

Violating these rules can have severe consequences.

• Do not approach within 100 yards of any U.S. Naval vessel.
• Observe and avoid all security zones.
• Observe and avoid restricted areas near dams, power plants, etc.
• Do not stop or moor beneath bridges or in channels.

You must observe and avoid all security zones, including military ships and stations. You must operate at minimum speed when within 500 yards of any U.S. Coast Guard naval boat. You must observe and avoid commercial port operation areas.

How should the boat be maneuvered when caught in high winds and rough water? reduce speed and head into the waves at a slight angle. When mooring or turning a power boat in confined waters, the helmsman should proceed slowly and be aware of different pivoting points on a boat.

Some examples of dangerous weather that can occur include strong winds, rough seas, lightning and waterspouts. Generally, wind gusts of 34 knots (39 mph) or more are often strong enough to capsize small boats, especially when they catch the boater off-guard.

If caught in severe weather, the Coast Guard advises:

1. Reduce speed to the minimum that allows continued headway;
2. Make sure everyone on board is wearing their life jacket;
3. Turn on running lights;
4. If possible, head for nearest safe-to-approach shore;
5. Head boat into waves at a 45-degree angle;
6. Keep bilges free of water;

Everyone puts on lifejacket, as well as sit down as low as possible. Then head for nearest friendly shore., Get everyone ashore can and sit out the storm. If taking on water, run bilge pumps, bail with buckets, hats, coolers to keep boat as dry as possible.

If Your Boat Runs Aground

1. Don’t put the boat in reverse. Instead, stop the engine and lift the outdrive.
2. Shift the weight to the area farthest away from the point of impact.
3. Try to shove off from the rock, bottom, or reef with a paddle or boathook.
4. Check to make sure your boat is not taking on water.

They give you real time(hourly) sea conditions. Note especially the wave heights and the wave periods. A low wave height or a long wave period will generally make for calm conditions. Thanks everyone will look into it more, because I prefer boating on calm waters.

2 feet

adjective. If the sea or a lake is calm, the water is not moving very much and there are no big waves.