Remember Safety at all times!!!
ForewordIntroduction
Buying a Personal Watercraft
Before you start
Be safe
Warning signs
Safety checklist
Be aware
Foreword
The safety information on this website has been produced by the RNLI's Sea Safety Liaison Working Group which has representation from the following organisations and agencies:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
In addition there has been consultation with the Personal Watercraft Federation (PWF).
It provides useful basic safety guidelines for the Personal Watercraft User and information you should be aware of before going out on the water.
Unless you are experienced, we urge you to obtain additional information as detailed in the safety section of this website.
Further copies are available from any of the organisations/agencies mentioned above. See organisations and agencies for addresses and telephone numbers.
Introduction
As a personal Watercraft User, you have a responsibility towards yourself, your passengers (if carried) and to other users of the water. Since you will be sharing the water with other craft and vessels, it is important to know what to do in different situations.
Remember! - These are not toys and it is recommended that young persons should not be in control without adult supervision.
Buying a Personal Watercraft
Get advice before buying your Personal Watercraft (PW).
Users should be guided by the recommendations made by the British Marine Industries Federation (BMIF) on 01784 473377. These will include:
How to obtain third party insurance which is strongly recommended. Get your Personal Watercraft fitted with an approved identification system.
Decide on the type and size of Personal Watercraft that is most suitable for your purposes and whether to purchase a new or second hand unit.
Before you start
Check the weather forecast by:
- Listening to the shipping or local radio forecast
- Telephoning Marinecall on 0891 505 200 (calls cost 50p per minute) or phone
- Metcall Direct on 0374 555 888 for a fax service (available outside the UK on 44 374 555 888)
- Telephoning the Coastguard or listening to their report on VHF channel 67
- Watching Teletext ITV pages 107 and 108
- Check on local conditions e.g. tide times, underwater obstructions etc
If possible, go afloat in company so that if you have a problem you are better able to cope with it. Tell someone ashore where and when you are going and when you will be returning
A buoyancy aid must be worn!
It is also recommended that you wear:
- Either a drysuit or a wetsuit
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Protective footwear
Check the condition of your craft and that the power unit has been well maintained
Always use fresh fuel
Park your vehicle and trailer with care and consideration. Do not obstruct access for other users and particularly the Emergency Services.
Be Safe!
- Drinking alcohol will impair both your judgment and ability to control your craft - Drinking Wrecks Lives!
- Ensure the engine shut off lanyard, if fitted, is connected to both the craft and yourself. Always carry a spare
- Check information notices at access points and observe the local byelaws
- Where applicable, use buoyed channels and designated zones
- Observe local speed limits
- Observe the Rules of the Road - your life may depend on it!
- Keep a look out for other craft and keep clear of any other restricted areas i.e. bathers, water skiers, board sailors etc
- If you are water skiing or towing an aquatic toy, remember to take an observer. This should only be done on craft with a carrying capacity of 3 or more persons.
Warning signs
Always look out for and recognise warning signs:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| 10 Knot Speed Limit Sign | 10 Knot Speed Limit Marker Buoy | Personal Watercraft Permitted | Personal Watercraft Activity Prohibited | Personal Watercraft Zone High Visibility Marker |
Safety checklist
Preparation
Work out where you want to go, what the distances involved are and how long the
trip will take. Know the location of and distance to safety from any point on the
journey.
- Get an accurate and up-to-date weather forecast
- Check tide tables and the accessibility of your recovery site
- Find out about by-laws and local hazards
- Tell someone i.e. the Coastguard, where you are going and when you are expected back
- Have some means of calling for help.
The most important thing to take with you is another person and another PWC.
Do not go out to sea on your own. Make sure all your equipment is fully functional
including your PW. You should also take with you the following:
- A tow rope
- Chart and compass
- Suitable clothing
- Waterproof flares and a means of contacting the shore (preferably a VHF radio)
- A first aid kit
- Spare spark plugs and basic tools.
Ski Check
Check the range of your PW and that the fuel and oil levels are suitable for the
length of your trip.
- Check steering and throttle cables
- Check that the pump unit is clear of debris
- Check that your safety lanyard works properly
- Check drain plugs
- Check the hull for structural damage
- Check that the engine starts, runs and is warmed up before launching.
Be aware
Pollution of beaches, banks and the water, from oil and rubbish is an offence. When fueling, care should be taken to ensure that fuel and oil are not released into the environment. Limit fuel cans to 5 litres.
In the interest of other water users and people in the vicinity ashore, engine noise should be kept to a minimum - Be considerate to others!
Wild life may be vulnerable if it is disturbed. Personal Watercraft Users should be aware of any sensitive areas and keep well clear of them.
Serious accidents can occur as a result of small children playing with the controls of a PWC - Be Aware