5.4.2 Emergency Procedures

5.3 Personal equipment to be worn/carried by operator of the personal watercraft

copy of the checklist should be permanently attached to the PWC and located inside the door of the storage compartment.

▪Suitable PFD/lifejacket (see

▪Ensure all engine access and

Appendix 5).

storage doors are correctly secured and sealed.

▪A whistle, fitted to each PFD/

lifejacket to attract attention in the event of an emergency or entering the water.

▪Be aware of correct procedures for

launching and recovery of a PWC using a trailer.

▪Suitable clothing, including a

▪Operators should be familiar with

wetsuit and hand/foot protection.

and have practiced the procedure for righting a capsized boat. Rolling a craft over the wrong way may result in water entering into the engine, causing serious damage to it and rendering the PWC inoperative.

▪A suitable helmet, preferably fitted

with facial protection, if operating offshore or involved in wave jumping.

▪Goggles are recommended,

especially for salt water riding.

All persons on board a jet ski must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or a lifejacket.

5.4.2 Emergency Procedures

▪In the event of falling off the

craft into cold water, re-board immediately. Immersion in cold water can result in a life-threatening drop in body temperature (hypothermia). Hypothermia can also be caused by wind chill, rain and perspiration. To avoid this danger, prepare by dressing correctly including wetsuit/drysuit, hand/ foot protection. Wearing your PFD/lifejacket affords additional protection against the cold.

5.4 Personal watercraft operations 5.4.1 Prior to entering the water (Pre-Launch Checks)

▪To protect other water users and

due to high noise levels generated, PWC may be subject to specific local bye-laws issued by harbour or local authorities to restrict speed or the areas of operation. It is the responsibility of PWC operators to be familiar with the relevant bye-laws in force in the waters they use.

▪If in difficulty, remain with your

PWC. Do not try to swim to shore in cold water unless you are very close to safety and you have no expectation of speedy assistance. Swimming and treading water use up valuable energy and produce rapid heat loss. If it is not

▪Check the weather/sea condition

forecast before starting out.

▪Always complete a safety

checklist (see section 5.7) prior to departure. A waterproof laminated