Archie's Personal Watercraft handbook by Archie's Boat Licence Training Centre

Personal Watercraft Online Training Handbook

Unit 1/41 Steel Place Morningside Ph: 07 33996422 Email: dorach@bigpond.com www.archiesboatlicence.com

| Table of Contents

Contents 1

General Information for licence candidates

The General Safety Obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 The Three C’s of Jet Skiing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Types of PWC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Engine & Steerage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Pre-Departure Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Lanyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Night Time Riding or Restricted Visibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2

Post Operation and Care

Launching and Retrieving

Safety Equipment

Must Carry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Should Carry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4

Speed Limits

Freestyling 12

Wave Jumping & Surf Riding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 6

Capsizing & Righting

Reboarding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 7

Water Skiing

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Contents cont... 8

Additional Information

Marine Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 FUEL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Noise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 9

Collision Regulations

Note 17

Nautical Terms & Their Meanings

ARICHIE’S - ONLINE TRAINING HANDBOOK |

General Information for licence candidates

Personal Watercraft are fun whether you are wave jumping, surf riding, skiing, fishing or just hav’in a cruise, don’t be misled they can be a dangerous weapon, at high speeds the power output of these vessels can take a little getting used to. So: •

Know the rules

•

Know the regulations

•

Be licenced

•

Know your capabilities and responsibilities

•

Do the right thing out there on the water and have respect for your fellow riders, fellow boaties and the environment around you.

It is compulsory for all PWC operators to hold a Personal Watercraft Licence as a separate licence to their Recreational Marine Drivers Licence. A valid marine driver’s licence is a prerequisite for the Personal Watercraft licence. You can operate a PWC without a licence only if accompanied by a licensed operator on the same ski that is able to take immediate control if required. An unlicensed learner PWC driver must not carry passengers other than the supervising PWC licence holder. Special restrictions apply when it comes to the hire of a PWC from an accredited PWC hirer. It can be ridden without having a licence in a restricted area. NOTE: There are on-the-spot fines for not having a licence

The General Safety Obligation All PWC operators are responsible for the safety of their craft and their guests and must observe the General Safety Obligation and therefore you must have the vessel safe, carry the right safety equipment for the area you are operating in and operate the vessel in a safe manner.

All riders must wear an approved personal floatation device (PFD) that is suitable for your area of operation for example a Level 50 Special Purpose PFD (Type 3) is only suitable to wear in Smooth Water Limits whereas a Level 50 (Type 2) can be used in all locations. Always wear suitable clothing for example wetsuit bottoms or clothing that provides equivalent protection for areas of the body that may be subject to injury by the thrust of water from the jet nozzle or falling into the water at high speeds. Always refer to the Owner’s Operating Manual for complete riding and operation instructions of your craft before you take it on the water. Riding a PWC after consuming drugs or alcohol may result in losing your licence, remember to stay under the limit of .05 Drivers on L’s and P’s or instructing and unlicensed person all must be of a zero limit. When you are on the water constantly scan for people, objects in the water and other watercraft. Be alert for conditions that limit your visibility or block your vision of others. Operate defensively at safe speeds and take early action to avoid collisions. Never exceed the maximum load limit of your ski follow the manufactures specifications as overloading will affect the handling and stability which can lead to an accident. Never accelerate in close proximity to persons in the water idle a safe distance away before increasing speed rapidly.

| Personal Watercraft

The Three C’s of Jet Skiing

Engine & Steerage

1. COMMONSENSE! – Prevails for the inexperienced or careless rider as activities on a jet ski can be dangerous. Know your limitations! 2. CARE! – Should be taken when maneuvering a PWC near other waterway users. 3. COURTESY! – Maintain boat ramp etiquette! Keep your distance regulation and generally don’t be a nuisance around other vessels, people in the water and dwellings on land.

It is important to remember that a PWC must always be under power to maintain control of the steering The engine drives a powerful water pump, which sucks up water from the bottom of the craft through an intake grate. The water passes through an impeller, a type of propeller fitted into a surrounding tunnel, which pressurises the water and forces it out a jet nozzle at the rear of the craft.

Types of PWC

This jet of pressurised water propels and steers the craft when the throttle is engaged. Some newer PWC include “off throttle steering technology” which offers the craft limited manoeuvrability when the throttle is off.

There are two types of PWC stand-up (mostly used for racing) or the sit-a-stride type (most popular), which can accommodate up to 4 people.

PWC’s are jet driven and will have a steering nozzle at the back of the craft which is controlled by the handlebars. This nozzle directs the stream of pressurised water from left to right.

PWC’s can use either a two-stroke engine (similar to many outboard motors) or four-stroke (similar to a car engine).

Stand-up PWC

When in either smooth or rougher conditions the ski’s performance and steering will be determined by the number of people on board and their movement. Never underestimate the need for power to maintain that steering particularly when confronted with an obstacle (waves, structure or other vessels).

Sit-a-stride PWC

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Speed A PWC has three different levels of speed. 1. Trolling: Idle speed where little or no throttle is used and the bow of the craft are down in the water. When trolling or sub-planing, tighter manoeuvring and cornering are possible by feathering the throttle e.g. applying short, sharp actions while steering. 2. Sub-Planing: Medium speed where the bow is out of the water and the stern is forced deeper in the water. 3. Planing: A faster speed where the bow and the stern of the craft are level and skimming on top of the water. Most new models of PWC’s have a reverse thrust to assist slow speed manoeuvring and should only be applied when the engine is in a slow idle mode , doing so at a higher speed can damage your craft. Avoid using the reverse lever as a brake.

Planing

Side Names

Trolling

Registration All PWC must be registered. PWC registration symbols must be:

Sub-Planing

•

Displayed on both sides of the craft

•

Minimum height of 100mm

•

Legible from 30 metres

•

Clearly visible in a contrasting colour to your craft

•

Easily seen while your craft is underway

•

The registration label must be displayed on the PORT side of your craft alongside the registration symbols.

| Personal Watercraft

Pre-Departure Checklist Before taking your PWC out on the water read and understand the owner’s manual and become familiar with the operations of your craft. Understand that continuing maintenance of your craft is of the utmost importance to minimize the risk of engine and steering failure.

lanyard key off the stop button to check that the engine stops immediately. 14. CHECK TRAILER TYRES – Always look for wear and tear and always carry a spare. 15. CHECK TRAILER LIGHTS – Check your lights before you head out onto the road.

1. CHECK JET PUMP – Check the water intake grill and jet pump is free from any foreign objects. Cleaning this area and the Impeller from weeds, debris, ropes and plastic bags is a must as it causes cavitation (Engine speed rising and the same time forward thrust decreasing) and can cause the motor to overheat and seize up. 2. CHECK HULL FOR CRACKS – Wear and tear 3. CHECK FOR WATER LEAKS 4. CHECK DRAIN BUNGS – Check that both bilge drain bungs in the stern are securely installed. 5. CHECK STEERING – check the operation of the steering for binding, rough spots or excessive play. Adjust cables if necessary.

Your instrument panel will have many features and functions always read the manual before you take it out on the water.

6. CHECK THROTLE CONTROL – Check the operation of the throttle for binding, rough spots or excessive play. The throttle lever must return to the fully closed positon when released. A stuck throttle can cause loss of control and an accident resulting in injury or death. 7. CHECK FUEL AND OIL LEVELS – Check fuel level and if jet ski has not been used for more than 2 weeks top up with some fresh 98 Premium fuel. Check fuel pressure and loosen the fuel tank cap to relieve any pressure. Check for fuel leaks in the engine compartment. 8. CHECK BATTERY – Start engine and run for 1015 seconds and check that no “Low Battery Voltage” indictor is displayed on meter. Check the battery terminal screws for tightness. 9. CHECK SPARK PLUGS – Check the plugs and the electrical system for wear and tear. 10. VENTILATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT – Open storage case lid, remove seats and keep open for several minutes to purge petrol fumes from the engine compartment. 11. CHECK HOSE CONNECTIONS – Be sure all hose connections are secure and that all hose clamps are tight. Check all hoses for cracks or deterioration. 12. ENSURE ALL COMPARTMENTS AND SEATS ARE SECURE – Check the latches are secure. 13. CHECK LANYARD IS WORKING CORRECTLY – Start the engine and run it for a few seconds, pull the

Make sure you have a safety chain from your ski to your Trailer.

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Lanyard PWC have either an ignition safety switch or a self-circling feature if the operator falls off. Most cruising PWC come equipped with an emergency ignition safety switch. This is a safety device which is designed to shut the engine down if the operator is thrown from the proper operating position. The safety switch works by attaching a Lanyard between the operator and the switch; it is normally attached to the operator’s wrist or PFD. If the lanyard is removed from the switch, then the engine will shut off. If the operator is thrown from the PWC with a self-circling safety feature, the engine will begin running at idle speed while the PWC slowly circles, thus allowing the driver to reboard. Once reboarded re-attach the lanyard. Always ensure that the lanyard is attached to the licenced operator who is in immediate control of the PWC. The PWC licence holder is to wear the “Kill Switch” when the PWC is being operated by a learner driver. A learner driver operating the PWC must not carry a third passenger only a licenced PWC holder.

Night Time Riding or Restricted Visibility Remember most jet skis won’t be fitted with navigation lights so seek your manufactures recommendations for the fitting and positioning of lights – sidelights and either an all-round white light or a stern and masthead light.

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Post Operation and Care

To keep your watercraft in top shape, always take it out of the water after using, leaving it in the water for extended periods will accelerate the rate of normal deterioration of the jet unit components and hull finish. After the Jet Ski has been removed from the water, start the engine and rev for several seconds until water stops coming out of the exhaust at the stern. Next step is to connect a garden hose to the Flushing port, start the jet engine FIRST and then switch the water on continue to idle the engine for several minutes. Turn the water off and then turn the engine off. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rev to hard on the tap as it may result in jet pump damage.

Next step is to wash down the hull, handlebars and jet unit with fresh water. Remove the seats and check the engine compartment for water. To drain excess water remove the stern drain plugs and then raise the bow of the watercraft enough to allow the water in the bilge to drain out. Always read the manufactures service manual for complete instructions for care and maintenance of your type of ski and have your ski serviced in accordance with the periodic maintenance recommendations.

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Launching and Retrieving

•

Don’t submerge your trailer too deeply

•

Check the conditions of the boat ramp

•

Check the strength of the wind

•

Check the tidal flow

•

Check your winch strap for fraying

•

Check that the bilge drain bungs are in and secure

•

Check there are no obstacles behind you

Always follow your manufacture guidelines to starting your ski and makevsure the ski is in approximately 0.8metre or knee high depth of water. Make sure it is clear of weeds and debris that could be sucked into the jet pump from the bottom. Because PWC’s do not have a neutral gear and will move forward once started make sure you sit on the ski before starting and allow it warm up for about one minute. Ensure the cut-off switch and lanyard are working correctly. If you launch your jet ski from a beach or river bank make sure swimmers in particular children are well clear of the area where you will be starting your ski, the pressure of water that is projected from the back of the ski from the jet could easily knock over a young child or endanger a persons body.

Remember your General Safety Obligation – operate your vessel in a safe manner. Always allow plenty of room for stopping as you will soon learn how far it can travel when you have turned the engine off. If you are coming into a beach or shore turn the engine off before you get to the shallow area so that sand, rocks or weed are not sucked up into the intake grate as this will damage the impeller. If you are going to stay at the beach for a period of time and not using the ski, turn the ski around so the front of the ski is facing the water then lift the back of the ski and bring it up on to the beach whilst still keeping the nose in the water, this should stop the ski from moving and rolling.

|â&#x20AC;&#x192; Personal Watercraft

Safety Equipment

Must Carry Equipment that MUST be carried under Transport Operations Marine Safety Regulations Smooth Waters Personal Floatation Device

Partially Smooth Waters

Beyond Smooth and Partially Smooth Waters

Personal Floatation Device

Level 50 or Level 50 Special Purpose (Type 2 or 3)

Level 50 or Type 2

Signalling Device

(torch, lantern or cyalume stick)

Capacity Label

(visible from steering position)

Ride Smart Label

(must be affixed to the PWC & visible from the steering position)

V-Sheet

Flares (2 red & 2 orange)

EPIRB (when operating more than 2nm from land)

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Equipment that must be carried!!!

Level 50 (Type 2)

Level 50 Special Purpose (Type 3)

Always check what equipment you will need for the area you are operating your vessel in.

10 |â&#x20AC;&#x192; Personal Watercraft

Should Carry Equipment that SHOULD be carried under Transport Operations Marine Safety Recreational Ships Miscellaneous Equipment Standard Smooth Waters

Partially Smooth Waters

Beyond Smooth and Partially Smooth Waters

Anchor with 18 metres of cable

Anchor with 27 metres of cable2

Anchor with 27 metres of cable

Drinking Water

Chart

Compass

Handheld electronic navigation device

(if not equipped with a chart or compass)

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Speed Limits Your speed must be considered with the density of the traffic in the area that you are operating your craft in, always travel at a safe speed. Do not travel at speeds where your wash can cause damage to the shoreline, other boats or injury to others.

A PWC driver is maintain a distance of 30 metres from other moving vessels when traveling more than 10 knots.

Keep 60 Metres from Jetties and Pontoons or reduce speed to 6 knots. There are exceptions to the 6 knots within 60 metres from the shore rule. Keep 60 metres from the shoreline or the boundary of a bathing reserve or reduce speed to 6 knots.

•

The waterway is less than 120 metre wide

•

The Jet Ski operator is operating the PWC as close as practicable to a straight line to transit the area

•

The PWC operator stays close as is practicable to the centre of the waterway or a marked channel

•

The PWC is being used in water skiing or towing

In coastal waters, freestyling or wave jumping is restricted to:

The following distances must be maintained or reduce speed to 6 knots(=11 km/h) within: 60 metres from people in the water, anchored or moored boats!!! 6 knots can still cause a wash . Always check and slow down!!

Outside 200 metres of the shore if dwellings are within 100 metres of the shoreline and visible to the operator, and are in the vicinity of the waters where the PWC is operating. Coastal waters do not include dams and inland waters. Keep 60 metres away from all vessels displaying Code flag “A” the Diver’s Flag.

12 | Personal Watercraft

Freestyling

Is erratic and non-directional driving where it is difficult for others to predict your course of action. High speed manoeuvres such as Wake Jumping – Donuts – Figure 8s – 360s turns are examples of freestyling. Keep 60 metres from other vessels when freestyling. This form of activity can be unsafe, annoying and noisy for other water users and if you have a passenger on board remember your General Safety Obligation and observe the distance regulations. Restrictions apply in some areas for freestyling activities, these areas can be found on the Maritime Safety Queensland website. www.msq.qld.gov.au

Wave Jumping & Surf Riding This activity can be dangerous for the inexperienced or careless driver. Keep well clear of swimmers, board riders and other jet skiers. Observe the distance regulations. (60 metres)

Avoid collisions and injuries by thinking carefully before jumping a wave. Note the location of other water users, think about the speed of the craft at take-off, the height of the wave and where the PWC will approximately land. When jumping in larger waves you may not see board riders or other water users below the crest of the wave. Be aware of sandbars and sandbanks in shallower waters. If you become airborne you may become separated from the craft, thus causing major injury, so if you are inexperienced practise jumping at a slower speed over smaller waves and progress slowly until your skills increase.

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Capsizing & Righting

If the watercraft should capsize, the first thing to do is to make sure the engine is stopped by pulling the lanyard key off the stop button. Swim to the rear of the craft and pull the watercraft over with your left hand on the ride plate whilst pushing down on the gunwale with your right hand or foot. If the port side of the capsized watercraft is tilting up, push down on the gunwale so that the port side is down before turning the watercraft clockwise. Always follow the manufacturer’s outline on how to right the craft in the user’s manual, so that there is no risk of damaging the craft or yourself as some brands of watercraft may have different procedures.

Reboarding Most watercraft are equipped with a folding type reboarding step at the stern. When reboarding from the rear of the craft, pull the step down. It automatically raises back to the original position when released. You can reboard more easily from the water by using this step and the handrail behind the rear end of the seat. You will find this step is to be used only for reboarding not for pulling other craft.

Reboarding the watercraft

14 |â&#x20AC;&#x192; Personal Watercraft

Water Skiing

Only a licensed person may operate a PWC when towing water skiers and the PWC rules must be obeyed at all times. Always look out for potential dangers, make sure there is sufficient depth of water and make sure the area you are skiing in is wide enough to turn safely. Always operate the craft in an anticlock wise direction. The operator of the PWC should ensure there is sufficient seating capacity for the operator and an observer in case the skier has a mishap e.g. skier has fallen and is unconscious.

You must have an observer over the age of 12 years, he will need to be facing the skier and observe the water ski signals and alert the driver if the skier has a mishap. All persons will need to be wearing a PFD Type 2 or 3 depending on the area youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in.

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Additional Information

Marine Parks

build-up of static which may be the cause of an explosion.

Personal Watercraft must operate under the same rules applying to other vessels operating in the Marine Parks.

Refuelling on or near the water increases the risk of polluting the waterways. Always keep absorbent material close at hand to collect fuel spillage.

PWC’s which were previously prevented from entering marine national park (green) zones, can now navigate throughout the marine park. However, they must observe all go slow areas (including not undertaking motorised water sports) and other requirements set out in the zoning plan.

Noise Complaints about jet skis are increasing, so:

A PWC must travel OFF-THE-PLANE when operating in the green zones.

•

Reduce noise before 7am

•

Start the Jet Ski in the water

Alcohol

•

Warm the engine up once you are in the water

•

Flush the engine at home and not by revving it in the car park or on the boat ramp

•

Choose launch ramps that are far away from private homes

Your alcohol limit when riding your PWC must remain below 0.05. When you have an unlicensed driver on board with you, as the instructor you must remain Zero. If on a P or L licence then alcohol limit is Zero

FUEL The safest place to refuel your craft is at the petrol pumps as anti-static strips are built in, as long haul tow’s may create a

Communication We highly recommend that you carry a VHF hand held radio if you travel long distances or just in case your PWC breaks down. Also carrying a mobile phone enclosed in a waterproof case with either the coastguardair sea rescue or water police’s phone numbers logged into the phone will be beneficial.

16 | Personal Watercraft

Collision Regulations

All PWC users must know and abide by the IALA buoyage system, rules of the road, sound signals, navigation lights and local rules. When approaching head on to another craft each craft must alter their course to Starboard and pass Port to Port.

This Jet Ski has the right of way and can maintain it’s course and speed. This Jet Ski must turn to Starboard crossing astern of the other ski

Pass Port to Port

You can overtake another vessel on either side, remembering to keep well clear of the overtaken vessel until well past and clear. E.g. keep 30 metres from the vessel plus 60 metres from Overtaking the shore or anchored vessels.

PWC’s must give way to sailing vessels, rowers or paddle boats

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Note

•

Because a PWC is sensitive to changes in weight distribution, you must take extreme care in carrying cargo, passengers and in the fitting of additional accessories.

•

Passengers can affect control of the watercraft by improper positioning or sudden movements. It is important that passengers sit still while the watercraft is in motion and not interfere with its operation. Do not carry animals on your watercraft.

•

Instruct any passengers before riding to hold on to the person in front of them or hand strap and keep both feet on the deck for balance.

•

When turning to port or starboard it is important to lean to the direction of the turn and steer towards the direction of turn and keep the motor revs above 4500 – 5000 rpm.

•

Use the open storage area behind the seat for carrying cargo. Be sure that any loose items are packed in a buoyant container to prevent them falling overboard and sinking. Loose articles or rope could fall overboard and become lodged in the intake grate or pump.

•

Do not overload the storage area and make sure it can’t move around while you are riding.

•

Do not carry large or bulky items that affect visibility or

Additional Notes:

your ability to control the watercraft. •

Do not install accessories or carry cargo that impairs the performance of the watercraft.

•

If your watercraft runs out of fuel, develops engine problems, or needs to be towed by another watercraft, or if your watercraft needs to tow another watercraft in similar situations, tie a tow rope which is long enough to keep a distance that will allow control of the towed vessel.

•

Towing must be slow, not exceeding 8 km/h and be careful as towing can affect the steering. If your watercraft is being towed by another watercraft, ensure that at least one person is on board your watercraft to prevent it from tipping thus keeping the balance of the craft.

•

Do not ride your watercraft to closely behind another PWC.

•

Do not zig-zag with another PWC at high speed.

•

Do not ride or jump the wake of other vessels too closely.

•

Always look over your shoulders before making turns.

•

Stay vigilant be prepared for the unexpected.

18 |â&#x20AC;&#x192; Personal Watercraft

Gunwale

Bar Shallow area formed by sand, mud or

Inboard

Nautical Terms & Their Meanings

Aft

Astern

Beam Bilge Bow

The stern of the jet ski

Behind the jet ski

gravel near the mouth of a river or at the approach to a harbour. (Can be a very dangerous area and needs to be treated with caution).

The greatest width of the jet ski. The interior of the hull below the seat. The forward part of the jet ski.

Buoy An anchored float used for marking a posiDraft

tion on the water.

The depth of the jet ski below the water line.

Epirb

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.

Freeboard The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale.

Ground Tackle A collective term for the anchor and its associated gear.

Hull

The upper edge of a jet skiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side. The main body of a vessel. A motor fitted inside a vessel.

PFD

Personal Floatation Device. (Life Jacket).

A vessel is said to be planing when it is essentially moving over the top of the water rather that through it.

Planning

Port Side The left side of the jet ski looking forward.

Starboard Side The right side of the jet ski when looking forward.

Stern

The after part of the jet ski. (back of the ski)

Moving waves, track or path that a boat leaves behind it, when moving across the waters. It is important to remember your vessel at 6 knots may create a wash, always check and slow down if necessary.

Wake (wash)

Archies Boat Licence, Unit 1/41 Steel Place Morningside Phone: 07 33996422 Email: dorach@bigpond.com www.archiesboatlicence.com