Personal Watercraft Handbook · 2014-09-25 · Personal Watercraft Handbook Roads and Maritime Services| 3 A Personal Watercraft (PWC) is a device with a fully enclosed hull that

Personal Watercraft HandbookA guide to the key PWC rules and requirements

2 Personal Watercraft Handbook

Introduction 3

Licensing 4

Registration 5

Safety equipment 6

Safety on the water 7Know the rules 7

PWC operating restrictions 9•PWCexclusionzone 9

•Nodrivinginanirregularmanner 9

•NoGoPWCAreas 10

•Aftersunsetandbeforesunrise 10

•Designatedswimmingarea 10

Towing 11•Responsibilities 11

•Distanceoffwhentowingpeople 11

•Tow-insurfing 11

General information 12•Alcoholanddrugs 12

•PWCmaintenance 12

•PWCchecklist 12

•Preventativemaintenance 12

•Noiseannoys 13

•Howtoobtaina PWCdrivinglicence 13

•BoatingSafetyCourse requirements 14

•PWClicencetestrequirements 14

•PracticalBoating Experiencerequirements 14

•Alternativemethodsto obtainaboatdrivinglicence 15

•Whenapplyingfor aPWClicence 15

Before you go out on your PWC 16

•Ridingtips 16

•KnowyourPWC 17

•Marinepollution 17

•Fuelling 17

•Steering 17

•Boardingandre-boarding 17

•Fallingoff 18

•Havetherightequipment 18

•Safetytips 18

PWC terminology 19

Emergencies 19

Contents

Special thanks to multi PWC World Champion Kylie Ellmers (featured on the cover) and multi World Surfing Champion Tom Carroll (pictured on pages 7, 11, 17 and 19) for their assistance with this PWC safety campaign.

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3RoadsandMaritimeServices | www.rms.nsw.gov.au

APersonalWatercraft(PWC)isadevicewith a fully enclosed hull that may be drivenstandingup,sittingastrideorkneeling,andincludesjetpoweredsurfboards.PWCarefast,powerfulandprovidearecreationalboatingalternative.Theyarelighterandmoremaneouvrablethantraditionalpowerboatsandtheirpopularityisincreasingwiththedevelopmentofbetterenginetechnologiesandquieteroperations.

ThepopularchoiceofPWCforboatingactivitymeansthatitisimportantforpeopletoknowhowtodrivethemsafelyandwithcourtesyatalltimes.

ThemajorityofPWCdriversactinaresponsiblemannerbuttherearesomewhoseactionsadverselyaffectthereputationofallPWCdrivers.

ThishandbookcontainsinformationabouttherulesandrequirementsfordrivingaPWCandprovidestipsonhowtooperateyourPWCsafelyandreduceconflictwithotherpeoplearoundthewaterways.Alwaysapplycare,courtesyandcommonsensewhenridingyourPWC.

You must have a PWC Driving LicenceInNSWitiscompulsoryforeverypersondrivingaPWCtoholdacurrentPWCdrivinglicence.TherearetwotypesofPWCdrivinglicence:

1. PWCdrivinglicenceforthoseaged16yearsandover.

2. YoungAdultPWCdrivinglicenceforpeopleagedfrom12tolessthan16years.

AYoungAdultPWCdrivinglicenceissubjecttothefollowingrestrictions:

• BeaccompaniedonboardthePWCbytheholderofaPWCdrivinglicencewhentravellingat10knotsormore.

• Neverexceed20knots.• Nevertravelat10knotsormore

whentowingaperson.• Donotdriveinanyaquaticevent

withoutRoadsandMaritimeServicesapproval.

Introduction


Licence periodAPWCdrivinglicenceisavailableforeitherone(1),three(3)orfive(5)years.YoungAdultdrivinglicencesareonlyavailableforoneyear.AllPWCdrivinglicencesareissuedasplasticphotoidentitycards.Note: A PWC driving licence includes a General Boat driving licence.

ON THE SPOT FINE

► DrivingaPWCwithoutaPWCdrivinglicence:• $500firstoffence.• $750secondoffence.• $1500thirdorsubsequentoffence.And includes automatic disqualificationfromholdingorobtaininganyboatlicence.

Remember…ItisarequirementforeveryPWCdrivinglicenceholdertocarrytheirPWCdrivinglicencewhendrivingaPWCandbeabletoproduceittoanauthorisedofficer.

ON THE SPOT FINE $100

► IfaPWCdrivinglicenceisnotproducedwhenrequestedbyanauthorisedofficer.

Owners of the PWC must be able to identifythepersondrivingtheirvesselatalltimes,eveniftheownerisnotonboardthePWCatthetime.

PWC owners can be found guilty of an offenceiftheyareunabletoprovidethe

identityofapersonincontroloftheirPWCundertheMarineLegislation.PWC owners may also be guilty of an offence if they allow an unlicensed persontodrivethePWC.

LicenceholdersandownersofPWCmustpromptlynotifyRoadsandMaritimeServicesofanychangestotheirpersonaldetailsoraddress.Licencessenttothewrong address can be cancelled and are-instatementfeecharged.Ifyourlicencehasnotbeenrenewedwithinfiveyearsofitsexpirydateyouwillneedtocompletethelicenceprocess(exceptthepracticalexperience)andpassthelicencetestagain.

Holders of a PWC driving licence are permitted to drive other recreational vessels (certain restrictions may apply), but holders of a General Licence are NOT permitted to drive a PWC at any speed. The owner of a PWC can also be fined for permitting an unlicensed person to operate a PWC.

Licensing

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Registration numbersPWC registration letters and numbers mustbenolessthan100mmhigh;displayedclearlyonbothsidesofthePWC,wellabovethenormalwaterlineandinapositionthatcanbeseenwhenyouareunderway.ThenumberscannotbedisplayedonthecontrolarmofyourPWC.

Theregistrationnumbersdisplayedmustbeinacontrastingcolourtothehull,solidcharacters(notoutlines),inaclearfontorstyleanddisplayedinuppercasesotheycanbeclearlyidentified.

If the PWC has many decals it may be necessary to mount the numbers onto a‘blockout’sheetandapplythistoyourvessel.

Mostsignwriterswhousecomputerisedvinylletteringcandothistaskforyouatareasonablecost.ItisanoffencenottohaveyourregistrationnumbersclearlyshownonyourPWC.


► If registration numbers are not properlydisplayedonyourPWC.

Registration labelTheregistrationlabelthatissenttoyouannuallyonthepaymentofyourregistrationfeeshouldbeappliedtotheportside,thatis,theleftsideofyourPWC,adjacenttotheletter‘N’ofyourregistration.

PWC Behaviour LabelTheownerofaPWCmustensurethatthePWCisnotdrivenbyanypersonunlessithasaPWCBehaviourLabelfirmlyaffixedtoitthatisclearlyvisiblefromthesteeringpositionatalltimesandisnotdefaced,obliteratedorconcealed.

Thelabelisdesignedtoensurethebasicrulesarecleartothedriver.Italsoensuresthat anyone who uses your PWC will be immediately aware of the basic rules and thatthePWCcanonlybedrivenbyapersonholdingacurrentPWClicence.

Registration

PWC behaviour labelWhen driving a personal watercraft:

Boat responsiblyInfoLine:131256 www.rms.nsw.gov.au

BE PWC LICENSED•CarryyourcurrentPWClicenceatalltimes.

WEAR A LIFEJACKET•Type1or2offshore.•Type1,2or3onenclosedwaters.Appliestoeveryoneonboard.DON’Twearaninflatablelifejacket.

OBSERVE PWC RESTRICTION ZONESNoirregulardriving(ie.weaving;drivinginacircleorotherpattern;wave/swelljumping)within200moftheshore.

OBSERVE OTHER AREAS WITHIN 200M FROM SHORE NEAR VISIBLE RESIDENCESNoirregulardriving.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCEStayunder10knots(about18.5kph)when:•60mfrompeople,canoes/kayaks,surforswimmingzones.

•30mfromothervessels,objects,structuresorshore.

OBEY SPEED RESTRICTIONSKEEP SAFE, STAY RIGHT

DRIVING A PWC BETWEEN SUNSET AND SUNRISE IS PROHIBITED

OBSERVE EXCLUSION ZONES WHERE DRIVING A PWC IS PROHIBITED

John Michael Citizen123 Smith StSmithtown NSW 2000

D.O.B. 03-07-62

Exp: 09-12-2011

00573501

GOSFORD

BROKEN BAY

BOTANY BAYPORT HACKING

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RMS12.277MARWWSLAB04009/12


LifejacketsWhen on board a PWC it is essential thatallpersons(bothdriverandpassengers)wearan‘approved’and‘appropriate’lifejacket,inordertocomplywithNSWregulations.


► $250foreachpersonnotwearingalifejacket.

Approved lifejacketAnapprovedlifejacket(Type1,2or3)isonethatcomplieswithrelevantAustralian,European,Canadian,NewZealandorUnderwritersLaboratoriesStandards.Level150,100,50and50SmustcomplywithAustralianStandardAS4758.

Approvedlifejacketsare:

Lifejacket Type 1 or Level 150 or Level 100Offersprotectionfromdrowningbymaintainingapersoninasafefloatingpositioninthewater,withbuoyancybehindthehead.

Lifejacket Type 2 or Level 50HaslessbuoyancythanType1anddoesnothaveacollar.Forsafetyreasons,theyarealwaysbrightincolour.ShouldyoubecomeseparatedfromyourPWC,you will be much more easily seen in highvisibilitycolours,whichmeansyourchancesofrescuearegreater.

Lifejacket Type 3 or Level 50SOften used by skiers and has sophisticatedfasteningsystemsabletowithstandhighimpact.Theonlyproblem

withthesejacketsistheircolour,whichisoftennotveryvisibleandthereforemaypresentaprobleminsearchandrescuesituations.

Lifejacket selectionOnopenwaters(surfbeaches,oceansor what is referred to as ‘offshore’ or ‘coastal’waters)alifejacketType3isnotacceptable.WhenoffshorealifejacketType1oralifejacketType2MUSTbeworn.

While using your PWC on enclosed waters(rivers,lakesordams)anytypeoflifejacketmaybeworn.

InflatablelifejacketsarenotrecommendedtobewornonPWC.

PWCareexemptfromcarryingothersafetyequipment.

Tow-in surfIngALifejacketType1orLevel150or100orType2orLevel50mustbewornbythedriverandaLifejacketType2or3orLevel50or50Sbythesurfer.

Forfurtherdetailsregardingtow-insurfing,seepage11.

Safety equipment

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Know the rulesApproaching vessels head onEachvesselalterscoursetostarboard(right)andpassesporttoport(left).Thisappliesinbothnarrowchannelsandopenwaters.

OvertakingKeepoutofthewayofthevesselbeingovertakenandpasssafelyeitherside.

Give way (powered vessels)Givewaytovesselsapproachingfromyourstarboard(right)side,theyhaverightofway.

Give way (non-powered vessels)Givewaytosailingvessels,canoesandotherpassivecraft.

SpeedAllvesselsmusttravelatasafespeedatalltimes.Asafespeedisoneatwhichthevesselcanbestoppedintimetoavoidanydangerwhichmaysuddenlyarise.Whenjudgingasafespeed,youmustconsideranumberofissues–visibility,othervessels,navigationhazards,wind,wavesandcurrentsandthemanoeuvrabilityofyourvessel.

Foryoursafetyandthesakeofeveryoneelseusingthewater,do not exceed set speed limits.

ON THE SPOT FINE

► Exceedingspeedlimit$250or$500.

LookoutKeepagoodlookoutbysightandhearing.Befullyawareoftheboatingenvironment,especiallyinbadweatherorrestrictedvisibility.Lookallaround–evenbehindyou.

Don’tconfusethelookoutdutiesofthedriverwiththoseoftheobserverwhenthePWCistowingaperson.Thedriverisresponsibleatalltimesforkeepingalookoutfordanger.

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Distance offAPWCtowingapersonortravellingat10knotsormoremustremain:

• 60metresfromanypersoninthewater(includingasurferorboogieboarder),sailingvesselorpassivecraft.

• 30metresfromanotherpowerdrivenvessel,theshore,anymoored/anchoredvessel,oranystructureorobject.

• A“safedistance”fromanyothervesseltowingsomeone.Note: If the 60m or 30m rule is not possible to follow and the rule is breached, the vessel must remain at a “safe distance” from the other vessel/object, and the obligation is on the vessel operator to prove that the reduced distance was in fact “safe.” Accordingly, “If in doubt, keep your distance.”

• 200metresfromvesselsandpeopleinthewaterwhentow-insurfing.


► Ifdistanceoffrulesarenotadheredto.

Obey the signsInsomeareas,PWCactivitymaybeprohibitedorhaverestrictionsplacedonthespeedatwhichtheymayoperate.Theseareasmaybeappropriatelymarkedbysignsornoticeseitherin,orinthevicinityof,theareaconcernedeg,inGunnamattaBay(PortHacking).


► Failuretoobeyspeedrestrictionsigns$250or$500.

Note: PWC may not be driven on Sydney Harbour even though signs may not be in evidence. Penalties range from $500 (first offence) to $1500 for third and subsequent offences for breaches.

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PWCmaybeprohibitedorhaverestrictionsplacedontheirspeedand/ordrivingpatternasfollows:

1. PWC Exclusion Zone

PENALTY $500 1st offence

TheoperationofPWCisprohibitedinSydneyHarbour,includingthewatersofalltidalbays,riversandtheirtributaries(includesParramattaRiver,MiddleHarbourandtheLaneCoveRiver).

2. No driving in an irregular manner

PENALTY $250

PWCarenotpermittedtobedriveninanirregularmannerin:

(a)APWCRestrictionZone(seediagramfarright)or;

(b)Elsewherewithin200metresoftheshoreline where one or more dwellings arelocatedwithin200metresoftheshorelineandvisiblefromthewater.

Examplesofdrivinginanirregularmannerare:

• Drivinginacircleorotherpattern.• Weavingordiverting.• Surfingdownorjumpingoveroracross

anyswell,waveorwash.

ThismeansthatPWCarerequiredtobeoperatedgenerallyinastraightlinewithin200moftheshoreline.

Note that driving in an irregular manner does not apply when a PWC is towing a waterskier or aquaplaner. However, as soon as towing activity is finished, the “no irregular driving” rule comes into effect.

PWC Restriction Zone

Thiszoneencompassesthebays,riversandotherwaterwayswithintheSydneybasinareawhichliesbetweenPortHacking,WamberalandtheBlueMountainsbutdoesnotincludewatersoffthecoast.

PWC operating restrictions

Irregulardrivingnotpermittedwithin200metresoftheshoreline(showabove)(exceptSydneyHarbour,whichisaPWCExclusionZone).

Irregulardrivingnotpermittedwithin200metresof the shoreline where one or more dwellings are within200metresoftheshoreandvisiblefromthosewaters.

A T T E N T I O NIRREGULAR DRIVING IS

PROHIBITED WITHIN 200METRES OF THE SHORE IF,FROM THESE WATERS, ANY

DWELLING LOCATED WITHIN200 METRES OF THIS

SHORE IS VISIBLEP E N A L T I E S A P P L Y


3. No Go PWC Areas


TherearesomeareaswherePWCuseisprohibitedandtheywillbeindicatedbysigns.PWCdrivingisnotpermittedintheseareasatanytime.

4. After sunset and before sunrise


DrivingaPWCbetweensunsetandsunriseisprohibited,regardlessofwhethernavigationlightsarefitted.

5. In a designated swimming area

A designated swimming area in a surf zoneisdefinedastheareaextending500metresoutfromshorebetweensurfpatrolflagsorsigns.Inotherlocationsaswimmingareaisdefinedastheareaextending60metresoutfromshorebetweensignsforswimmers.

APWCmustnotbeoperatedinthesezonesorwithin60metreseithersideoftheflagsorsignsmarkingsuchzones.

P E R S O N A LW A T E R C R A F TP R O H I B I T E D

I N D I R E C T I O N I N D I C A T E DP E N A L T I E S A P P L Y

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SwimmingPermitted

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ResponsibilitiesWhentowingsomeone,the driver ofthePWCmust:

• HoldacurrentPWClicence.• EnsurethePWChascurrentregistration.• Haveanobserveronboardwhois

either16yearsofageorolder,ortheholderofaYoungAdultlicence.

ThedriverofthePWCisresponsibleforthesafetyofthePWCandpeoplebeingtowedandformaintainingtheappropriatedistancesoffapplicabletothePWCandtheskier(s).

The observer must:• Notsufferhearing,sightorother

disabilities which could affect the performanceofobservationduties.

• Notbeundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.

• Observethepeoplebeingtowedandreportallmattersaffectingthemtothedriver.

• Tellthedriveraboutallvesselsapproachingfrombehind.

• Befamiliarwiththestandardhandsignals.

Distances off when towing peopleWhentowing,thedrivermustkeepboththePWCandthepeoplebeingtowedataminimumdistanceof:

• 30 metresfrompower-drivenvessels(includingotherPWC)nottowingskiers,landandstructures(includingjetties,bridges,mooringsandnavigationmarkers)or,ifthatisnotpossibleasafedistance.

• 60 metresfrompeopleornon-poweredvessels(sailingandpassive)or,ifthatisnotpossible,asafedistance.

• Asafedistancefromanyvesseltowingpeople.

Iftowingpeopleusingaerialequipment(eg,paraflying)keepthevessel,thepeoplebeingtowedandtheaerialequipmentaminimumof300metresfromanybridge,cable,wire,pipelineorstructure.

Nomorethanthree(3)peoplecanbetowedatonce.Towingmayalsobeprohibitedinsomeareasandsignsmaybedisplayed.Inotherareas,towingmaynotbepossiblebecauseofthelocationofhazards,orifsafedistancesoffcannotbemaintained.

PWCridingandtowingareprohibitedbetweensunsetandsunrise.

Tow-in surfIngTow-insurfingisatechniquewhereapersonoperatingaPWCtowsasurferontoabreakingwave.InNSWthefollowingconditionsapplytotow-insurfing:

• Tow-insurfingisonlypermittedonopenwatersatsurfbreaksonlywheretherearenopaddlesurfboardriderspresent.

• BoththedriverofthePWCandthesurfboardridermusthaveacurrentPWClicence,currentFirstAidcertificate,wearanappropriatelifejacket(canbealifejacketType3forthesurfboardrider)whentheactivityisbeingundertaken,andhaveattendedanycourseorpassedanyexaminationrequiredbyRoadsandMaritimeServices.

Towing


ThedriverofthePWC:• Maynottowmorethanoneperson

atatime.• Mustyieldrightofwaytoallother

boatingoroceanrecreationactivities.• Mustmaintainadistanceofatleast

200metresfromallvesselsandpeopleinthewater.

• Mustcarrydivefinsandasafetyknife.

ThePWCistobeequippedwitha:• Rescuesled.• Secondkillswitchlanyardwrapped

aroundthehandlebars.• Two-waycommunicationdevice.• Toolkit.• Quickreleasefloatingtowropewith

aminimumlengthof7metres.• Bowtow-linewithaminimumlength

of7metres.


► IfPWCisfoundinbreachoftow-insurfingrequirements.

OnlyPWCmaybeusedfortow-insurfing.NoobserverisrequiredonthePWCprovidedthereiscompliancewiththeaboveconditionsatalltimes.

Alcohol and drugsGoeasyonthedrink.Thedriver,theobserverandanypersonbeingtowedmustremainunder0.05andallcanbesubjecttorandombreathtesting(RBT).Penaltiesrangefrom$1,100forafirstoffenceinthelowrange(0.05–0.08)toa$5,500fineanduptotwoyearsimprisonmentorbothforasecondoffenceinthehighrange(0.15andabove).

PWC maintenanceItisimportanttoensurethatyourPWCisingoodorderbyinspectingkeyfeaturesbeforeyouleavehomeortheramp,mooringorwharf.Themajorcausesofbreakdownareenginefailure,fuelshortageorcontamination,mechanicalfailureandbatteryfailure.

PWC checklistCheck:• Yourregistrationnumberandlabeland

thePWCBehaviourLabel.Makesuretheyareproperlydisplayed.

• Yoursteeringcontroltoensurethatitisworkingproperly.

• Fuelandoilsupplies.Topupifnecessary.

• Thattheenginecompartmentisadequatelyventilated.Useyournoseand sniff for fumes before trying to startyourengine.

• Thattherearenoleaksinfuellines,fueloroiltanksortheexhaustsystem.

• Batteries;ensureterminalsaresafelysecuredandproperlychargedwithfluidatproperlevels.

• Theenginehoodcoverislatchedsecurely.

• Thatthepump/intakeareaisfreeofdebris.

• Forcracksandotherdamagetothehull.• Thethrottle,makingsurethatitisin

properworkingorder.• Thelanyardcut-offswitchisinproper

working order and that it is attached to yourwristoryourlifejacket.

• Youhaveenoughlinesformooringandtowing.

• Chokeandfuelreservecontrols.

Preventative maintenanceKeepthehullfreeofdamage,algaeand other growth and the engine free of greaseandoilbuild-up.Makesurethattheengineisproperlytuned.

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Checkbatteryfluidregularlyandensurethat all of the electrical connections arecleanandtight,andallcablesarelubricatedandworkingsmoothly.Checkforloosenuts,boltsandscrews.

Noise annoysBeconsiderate,particularlyatthesetimes:

• Earlyinthemorning(noisetravelsfurtherincalmconditions).

• When winds are blowing towards residentialareas.

Noisecanbeannoyingnotonlybecauseofitslevel,butalsobecauseofthetypeofnoisebeingcreated.Itisimportanttoconsidertheeffectsofyouractivitieson those surrounding you and on the localresidents.

Evenifyourvesselisrelativelyquiet,itbecomesoffensivenoiseifyourunitearly in the morning or stay too long in thesamearea.

How to get a PWC driving licenceTogetaPWCdrivinglicence,applicantsmust:

• CompleteboththecompulsoryGeneralLicenceBoatingSafetyCourseandPWCLicenceBoatingSafetyCourse;

• Provideevidenceofpracticalboating(logbook)experience(note:practicalexperiencecannotbeundertakenonaPWC);and

• SuccessfullyundertakethegenerallicencetestandPWClicencetest.

TheaboverequirementsalsoapplytoYoungAdultPWClicenceapplicants.BoththeBoatingSafetyCourse(s)andthepracticalboatingexperiencerequirementsmustbecompletedwithinthe12monthspriortoundertakingthelicencetest.OncompletionoftheBoatingSafetyCourse,practicalboatingexperienceandlicencetestrequirements,therelevantPWCdrivinglicencewillbeissuedtoapplicantsonpaymentofthelicencefeeforaone(1),three(3)orfive(5)yearPWClicence.Applicants wishing to upgrade their existing general driving licence to a PWC driving licence are not required to provide evidence of practical boating experience and need only comply with the PWC Licence Boating Safety Course and PWC licence test requirements.FormoreinformationonhowtoobtainaPWCdrivinglicence,contactRoadsandMaritimeServiceson131256(7daysaweek,8.30am–4.30pm)orvisitourwebsite www.rms.nsw.gov.au


How to comply wIth Boating Safety Course requirementsBoatingSafetyCourse(BSC)requirements can be met by one of thefollowingmethods:

1. ByviewingtheGeneraland PWClicenceBoatingSafety Coursepresentationsonlineat www.rms.nsw.gov.au

2. BypurchasingonlineoratanyMaritimeServiceCentre,aDVDofthecourse(s)forviewingathome.

3. ByattendingaBoatingSafetyCourseconductedbyRoadsandMaritimeServicesorMarineRescueNSW.

Regardlessofthemethodselected,anominalfeeappliestoboththeGeneralandPWClicenceBoatingSafetyCourses.

ForonlineBSCpresentations,theapplicantattheconclusionofeachcourseprintsaBSCCertificateofCompletion.Foronlineorcounterpurchases,aBSCCertificateofCompletionisprovidedforeachapplicantalongwithaDVD.

ForapplicantswhoattendaBoatingSafetyCourse,thelicencetestsareundertaken at the conclusion of the course.ApplicantswhofailthelicencetestareissuedBSCCertificatesofCompletion.

OnpresentationoftheBSCCertificateofCompletion,whichisvalidfortwelve(12)months,applicantscansitthelicencetest an unlimited number of times at any MaritimeServiceCentre,MotorRegistryorGovernmentAccessCentre.

How to comply with PWC licence test requirementsBoththegeneralandPWClicencetestscanonlybeattemptedfollowingcompletionoftheBoatingSafetyCourse(s)andinitialPWClicenceapplicantsmustpassthegenerallicencetestbeforethePWCtestcanbeattempted.

Afeeispayableforeachlicencetestattemptandlicencetestscanbeundertakenatanyofthefollowingvenues:

• MaritimeServiceCentres• MotorRegistries• GovernmentAccessCentres

Whenattendingalicencetest,applicantsmustprovidetheBSCCertificateofCompletionandacceptableProofofIdentity.Youngadultlicenceapplicantsmustbeaccompaniedbyaparentorlegalguardianwhomustalsoprovideacceptableproofofidentity.

PWClicenceapplicantsmustprovidetwo(2)passportqualityphotographs.

How to comply wIth Practical Boating Experience requirementsPracticalboatingexperiencecanbegainedbycompletingaBoatingLicencePracticalLogbook.

InitialPWClicenceapplicantsmustundertake,inthecompanyofanexperiencedskipper,aminimumofthree(3)tripsinapoweredvesselunderpower(excludingPWC).Anexperiencedskipperisapersonwhoholds,asaminimum,avalidNSWorinterstategenerallicenceand has held the licence for a continuous periodofatleastthree(3)years.Youngadult licensees are not considered experiencedskippersforthispurpose.

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Thevesselusedtoundertakepracticalexperiencemustcarrytheprescribedsafetyequipmentandbefittedwithappropriatelightsifundertakingoptionalnight-timenavigation.

Detailsofeachtripmustberecordedinthelogbookandbeverifiedbytheexperiencedskipper.Theapplicantandtheexperiencedskippermustalsoconfirmthatallelementsrelatingtopracticalexperiencecompetenciesaslistedinthelogbookhavebeencoveredbyinitiallingeachelement.

Copiesofthelogbookareavailablefreeofcharge,fromanyMaritimeServiceCentre,MotorRegistryandGovernmentAccess Centre or download from www.rms.nsw.gov.auOnly trips undertaken within 12 months of the date of applying for the issue of a boat licence will be recognised for the purpose of satisfying practical experience requirements.

Alternative methods to get a Boat Driving LicenceThefollowingoptionsareavailableasalternativemethodstoobtainaPWCdrivinglicence.

CompletionoftheGeneraland/orPWCBoatingEducationandTrainingCourseconductedbyaRoadsandMaritimeServicesaccreditedRecognisedTrainingProvider(RTP).Oncompletionofthecourse(s) (which includes the licence test/s),successfulapplicantsareissuedaCertificateofCompletion.

ThecompulsorypracticalboatingexperiencerequirementcanalsobeundertakenwithanRTPortheapplicantcanchoosethelogbookoption.

FeesandconditionsapplyinattendingaBoatingEducationandTrainingCourseandinundertakingthepracticalcomponent.AlistofaccreditedRTPsandadirectlinktotheRTPwebsiteisavailableontheRoadsandMaritimeServiceswebsite.

When applyIng for a PWC driving licenceAnapplicantmustprovideProofofIdentity documentation before sitting for aPWClicencetest.YoungAdultlicenceapplicantsmustbeaccompaniedbyaparentorlegalguardianwhensittingthetest.ProofofIdentityoftheparentorlegalguardianisrequired.

PWClicenceapplicantsmustprovidetwo(2)colourpassportacceptablephotographs(withalightbackground).AsPWCdrivinglicencesareplasticphotocards,twonewphotoswillberequiredeachtimethelicenceisrenewed.

Whencompletingthelicenceapplicationform,theapplicantwillberequiredtoprovideinformationaboutanymedicalconditions which may affect their ability to operateaPWC,meeteyesightstandardsandpaytheappropriatefee.


• Check the weather before you goout.Forecastsareavailable byphoningRoadsandMaritimeServiceson131236orcheckingcoastal bar conditions online at www.rms.nsw.gov.au

• Check that your PWC is in good condition and free of weeds and otherdebris.

• Opentheenginecompartmentandallowanyfumestovent.Sniffforfumes.

• Makesureyouhavesufficientwaterandfuelforthedurationofthetrip.

• Reportyourtrip.Letsomeoneknowwhereyouaregoing,howmanypeoplearewithyou,andwhenyouintendtoreturn.

• MakesureyouknowhowtohandleyourPWC,especiallyinthewaterwaythatyou’reusing.Ifindoubt,getinformation from locals or contact yourlocalMaritimeServiceCentre.

Riding tips• Alwayswearyourapprovedlifejacket.• Always wear a safety lanyard attached

toyourwristorlifejacketandtothePWC’s lanyard terminal so that it will stoptheengineifyoufalloff.

• Relaxwhenyoudrive.Donotridewithyourelbowslocked.Bendyourarmsand knees slightly when riding to allow foranyswellsandwakes.

• Donotcutblindcorners.• Useyourmirrorandcheckoveryour

shoulderbeforeturning.• On narrow waterways slow down

andtravelontherighthandside.• Avoidtravellingdirectlyinthewake

ofanothercraft.• If your PWC has a watertight

compartmentitmaybeusefultocarryitemssuchassunscreen,water,atorchandamobilephone.

• Obeyanyspeedlimitsandrestrictionsthatmaybeinforce.Followthenauticalrules.

• Keepalookoutatalltimesandalwayslookbehindyoubeforeyouturn.Beaware that swimmers may be obscured behindtheswell,wavesandwake.

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• Goeasyonthedrink–waves,windandweathermultiplytheeffectsofalcohol.Onethirdofallboatingfatalitiesinvolvealcohol.NeverrideyourPWCundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.

• IfyouexperiencedifficultywithyourPWC,returntoshore.IfthisisnotpossiblestaywithyourPWCanddonotattempttoswimtoshore.APWCis easier for rescuers to see than a personinthewater.

• Exercisecare,courtesyandcommonsense.Makeyourrideenjoyableforeveryone.

Know your PWCMaintainyourPWCtothemanufacturer’srequirementsandhavethecraftservicedregularly.

Marine pollutionIt is an offence to deliberately discharge garbage,oilandotherwasteintotheaquaticenvironment.Penaltiesapply.

FuellingItisimportanttofuelyourPWConlandasfuelisdangerousandisasignificantsourceofwaterpollution.Avoidoverfilling–fillthetankslowlytoavoidaspill.Watchtheventsanduseabsorbentmaterialtocollectanyoverflow.NeverplacethosematerialsintothePWCorthewater.

SteeringMostPWChaveadirectionaljetnozzleatthesternthroughwhichwaterisforced,propellingtheboat.Thedirectioninwhichthenozzleisaimediscontrolledbythehandlebarorsteeringwheel.Thenozzleislocatedattheaftendofthepumphousingandthedirectionthatitispointedcontrolsthedirectionoftheexitingwater.RefertoyourPWCowner’smanualformorespecificoperatinginstructions.

Forsteeringcontrol,powertothepumpmustbemaintained.Iftheengineisallowed to idle or shut down during a turn allpowerwillbelostandthePWCwillcontinuetomoveinthesamedirectionregardlessofanymovementofthesteeringcontrols.IfyoubackoffthethrottlethesteeringcapabilityofthePWCwilllessen.Giveyourselfplentyofroomand be aware of your surroundings at alltimes.

SomenewerPWCmodelshave off–throttlesteeringcapabilitiesprovidingenough thrust for steering when the throttleisreduced,whileothersdropruddersintothewaterifthejethasbeenidleforacertainlengthoftime.Again,refer to your PWC manual to determine whetheryourPWChasthesecapabilities.

AllPWCareequippedwithasafetyignition cut off key called a lanyard which isdesignedtostoptheengineifyoufalloffyourPWC.Lanyardsareanimportantsafetydevicewhichcanbeattachedtothedriver’swristor,insomecases,yourlifejacket.


Boarding and re-boardingWhenboardingorre-boardingfromthewater,alwaysapproachyourPWCfrombehind.Pullyourselfcarefullyaboard,makingsuretokeepyourweightcenteredontheboat.Practisegettingoffandre-boardinginprogressivelydeeperwater,closetotheshore,untilyouarealwaysabletore-boardwhenyoucan’tstandonthebottom.

Remembertoreconnectthelanyardinordertostarttheengine.

Falling offIf you fall off a PWC the lanyard will disconnectonceyouenterthewater,causing the PWC’s engine to shut down andthemachinetostop.SomeolderPWChaveanautomaticidleandselfcirclingcapacity.Ifyoufalloff,thePWCwill circle slowly in the water until you canre-board.Ineithercase,swimtoyourPWC,re-boardcarefullyatthestern,re-attachthelanyardandre-startyourengine.

Remember: keep a close eye on your surroundings and other vessel traffic that may be in the area.

If your PWC has stalled and won’t re-start,don’tattempttoswimtoshore.Instead stay with your PWC as you will beeasiertospotbyrescuers.

IfapassengerfallsoffaPWC,slowdownimmediately.ManoeuvrethePWC,takingcarenottohitthepersoninthewater.Warnapproachingvesselsandapproachthepersoninthewaterfromdownwindoragainstthecurrent.Whentryingtopickthepersonup,turnofftheengineorplacetheengineinneutral.

Have the right equipment• Lifejackets–thelawrequiresthedriver

andallpersonsonboardtowearanappropriatelifejacket.

• Wetsuit–willkeepyouwarmandaidinflotation.

• Helmet – a good idea to wear one to preventheadinjury.

• Safetylanyard–thisisamustbecauseitautomaticallycutsoffthepowershouldyoufalloff.

• Fireextinguisher–ifyouhavespaceit’sagoodideatocarryanapprovedfireextinguisher.

Safety tips• Wearyourlifejacketatalltimes–

it’salegalrequirement.• Watch the weather for any change

inconditions.• Knowyourlimitsandcapabilities.

Avoidrisksthatcouldcausepersonalinjuryorpropertydamage.

• Makeyourselfabetterandsaferriderand familiarise yourself with the way yourPWChandles.

• Irregulardrivingcarriesvariousrisks.Youmayforgettobeawareoftrafficinthevicinityofyourvessel,ormisjudgespeedanddistancesoff.Remember–care,courtesyandcommonsenseonthewater.

• Neverallowanyonetoplacetheirhands,hairorfeetnearthejetpumpintake.Seriousinjuryorevendrowningcouldoccur.

• Wakeorwavejumpingisnotrecommended by most PWC manufacturersduetothepossibilityofbackinjuries.

• Keepclearofthejetnozzleandneverallowjetthrusttoenterbodycavitiesassevereinjurycanresult.

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Reporting vessel incidentsIfaboatingincidentoccursinanyportornavigablewaterinNSW,itmustbereportedtoRoadsandMaritimeServices.Where the incident has resulted in the deathof,orinjuryto,apersonordamageinexcessof$5000toavesseloranyotherproperty,awrittenreportmustbeforwardedtoRoadsandMaritimeServiceswithin24hourssettingoutthe

particularsoftheincident,unlessthesehavealreadybeengiventoaRoadsandMaritimeServicesofficerorNSWPoliceForceofficer.

VesselincidentreportformsareavailablefromanyMaritimeServiceCentre,theNSWPoliceForceandMarineRescueNSW.Theyarealsoavailablefromourwebsite at www.rms.nsw.gov.au

EmergenciesPWC terminologyAft:Towardthe‘stern’orrearofthevessel.

Bow: Thefrontofthevessel.Deck:Anypermanentcoveringoveracompartment.

Draft: Theminimumdepthofwateravesselneedstofloatin.

Forward: Towardthefrontor‘bow’ofthevessel.

Hull:Thebodyofthevessel.Port:Thelefthandsideofthevesselwhen you are looking forward from thestern.

Starboard: Therighthandsideofthevesselwhenyouarelookingforwardfromthestern.

Safety lanyard: Thecutoffswitchwhichmustbeattachedtothedriver.

Steering nozzle: Adevicefordirectingastreamofwatertotheleftorright.

Steering control: ThedevicedesignedforoperatingthePWC.

Stern: Thebackorrearofthevessel.Throttle:Thespeedcontrolregulatingtheamountoffueldeliverabletotheengine.

© Roads and Maritime Services

Forfurtherenquiries:www.rms.nsw.gov.auInfoLine:131256

RMS12.276MARWWSHAN0049/12

Documents

Personal Watercraft Handbook · 2014-09-25 · Personal Watercraft Handbook Roads and Maritime Services| 3 A Personal Watercraft (PWC) is a device with a fully enclosed hull that