5.4.3 On the water

possible to get out of the water, wearing your PFD/lifejacket will help increase your survival time by keeping your head out of the water.

towing a float, it is essential to carry an observer. This should only be done on craft with a carrying capacity of 3 or more persons.

▪Always ensure sufficient fuel is on

board for any intended trip. Plan to return with the fuel tank one third full thereby allowing for any possible emergencies.

5.4.3 On the water

▪Do not drink alcohol or take drugs

when riding a PWC: it is illegal to do so and your ability to make quick decisions is impaired. This is critical when operating a fast and manoeuvrable PWC.

▪Additional petrol should not be

carried on board and no fuel transfer should be attempted once the vessel is afloat.

▪Study the manufacturer’s manual.

5.5 Offshore Cruising

Practice the handling of your PWC under experienced supervision in open water and well away from other boaters.

Subject to suitable weather and sea conditions, these craft are capable of undertaking coastal or offshore passages.

▪Be alert for the wave, wind, cloud

changes that may signal weather changes.

▪Such passages should be

undertaken in company with other PWCs or suitable support boats.

▪Avoid skiing alone, especially at

sea.

▪A nominated person ashore should

▪Avoid busy swimming areas.

be aware of departure times, destinations and expected arrival/ return times.

▪Avoid designated sea swimming

areas that may be defined by a series of marker buoys inside of which all craft are prohibited from entering.

It is recommended that the following are carried on board:

▪A high incidence of accidents

▪Compass.

with PWCs involve collisions with other craft. Operators should exercise the utmost caution when approaching or overtaking other boats and should never manoeuvre at speed in close proximity to other PWC, boats or swimmers (see Appendix 1).

▪Waterproof VHF Radio.

▪Passage Plan.

▪Chart of sea area.

The majority of PWCs are not fitted with navigation lights, which the law requires for operating at night. Therefore the use of such PWCs is restricted to a period between sunrise and sunset.

▪Where applicable, use buoyed

channels and designated zones.

▪If engaged in waterskiing or