Many boaters in Minnesota enjoy the exciting sport of riding personal watercraft (PWC)
Many boaters in Minnesota enjoy the exciting sport of riding personal watercraft (PWC). These speedy little craft make up over four percent of registered boats in the state. Although the number of personal watercraft accidents has declined, inexperienced riders still seem to account for many mishaps. They may not be aware of the unique handling characteristics of PWC or the special laws that apply to these craft. Collisions are the most common kind of personal watercraft accident. PWCs collide with docks, swimming rafts, and other watercraft. How do you avoid a collision on your personal watercraft? Keep your throttle depressed while turning. Many PWC operators heading towards a hazard panic and release the throttle, or pull the cutoff lanyard, causing the engine to stop. HUGE MISTAKE! When the engine stops, the water jet that propels and steers the craft stops and the craft continues in the same direction it was moving at the time the power was cut, regardless of any attempts to steer by the operator. Some recent-model PWCs are equipped with a device that assists steering in an offthrottle situation. However, even if your craft has this feature, keep the throttle depressed when you turn… even in an emergency.
Don’t ride too close to other boats – especially other personal watercraft. Make gradual turns. Turning too sharply can cause you to spin out and stop, giving any boat following you ample time to run you down! Look before turning. If someone is in the process of passing you, you could turn right into them.LAWS Every personal watercraft operator has the legal responsibility to know the law, so please take a few minutes to review the following regulations. WHAT IS A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT? A personal watercraft (sometimes called PWC or by brand names such as Jet Ski, Wave Runner, Sea Doo, etc.) is defined by law as a motorboat powered by an inboard motor powering a jet pump or by an outboard or propeller driven motor and is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the craft, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside a motorboat. Personal watercraft are considered motorboats under the law so they must follow all the regulations that govern other motorboats. In addition, personal watercraft. . . Are required to have a rules decal (provided at no charge by the DNR) in full view of the operator. Operators and passengers must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device (life vest). Are required to carry a USCG approved fire extinguisher. Must travel at slow-no wake speed (5 mph or less) within 150 feet of: shore (except when a PWC is launching or landing a water skier by the most direct route to open water), docks, swimmers, swimming rafts, any moored or anchored watercraft, or nonmotorized watercraft.
