Alabama Boating Safety Course

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CHAPTER 8: Other Water Activities

8.1 PERSONAL WATERCRAFT ANDOTHER JET-PROPELLED WATERCRAFT

8.1.1 OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PWCs

A personal watercraft (PWC) is propelled by an inboard engine powering a water jet pump. The PWC generates its power by drawing water in through the bottom of the boat with an internal propeller (impeller), and accelerates it the water through a nozzle at the back of the boat. Most PWCs are designed for two, three or even four people.

8.1.2 OFF-THROTTLE STEERING

PWCs generate their power by pulling water in through the impeller and pushing it out through the nozzle. The stream of accelerated water that moves through the nozzle also provides the steering ability for the vessel. A PWC will continue on the same course—even if the steering wheel is turned—once the throttle is off. Unlike operating a power-driven vessel—where slowing down or turning off the engine and steering through obstacles is advised—a PWC can maintain its steering ability only with the throttle applied. You must apply the throttle and steer away to avoid obstacles—once you release the throttle, you lose the ability to steer the craft.

Note: newer PWCs are equipped with off-throttle steering capabilities.

8.1.3 STOPPING ABILITY

Inexperienced drivers must be particularly careful when driving a PWC back to dock or in to shore, because PWCs cannot stop quickly. Like other recreational vessels, PWCs have no brakes and have no ablilty to stop other than by turning around. Give yourself enough time and space to slow down; it takes most PWCs a few hundred feet to come to a stop after being at full throttle.

8.1.4 PWC LOAD CAPACITIES

Load capacities will vary for PWCs. There are a number of different sizes of PWCs: from single-person to four person vessels. Consult your user's manual to find out your PWCs load capacity. Never exceed the manufacturer's recommendations, including anyone towed behind a PWC in the capacity limit.

8.1.5 RIGHTING A PWC

It is relatively easy to right your PWC if it overturns. Most have a decal attached to the back of the vessel that indicates the proper direction to turn the PWC to the upright position. Consult your user's manual if the decal is not present. Contrary to popular belief, there is a proper direction to turn it over, and you can do damage if you turn the PWC the wrong way.

8.1.5.1 RE-BOARDING A PWC

While righting a PWC is a relatively easy task, re-boarding can be more challenging. It is especially difficult to re-board a PWC when you are tired or in rough waters.

Practice re-boarding a few times in calmer waters before putting your re-boarding skills to the test on the open water.

TO RE-BOARD A PWC

Always approach from the direction marked on the hull.
Pull yourself up high enough to kneel on the running board.

WHEN RE-BOARDING A PWC ALWAYS APPROACH FROM THE DIRECTION MARKED ON THE HULL.

8.1.6 THE PURPOSE AND USE OF A LANYARD

Your PWC will not start unless the lanyard is attached to the start/stop switch. The lanyard is there for your protection. PWCs are fun to drive with their quick acceleration and sharp turning ability. This also means that PWC operators inevitably end up off their vessel and in the water. If you fall off the PWC, the lanyard will be pulled off the start/stop switch and the engine will stop immediately. The lanyard ensures that a "runaway" PWC does not endanger other swimmers or boaters. And, when the lanyard stops the engine, you won't have to swim so far to get back on for another ride.

8.1.7 THE PURPOSE AND USE OF A FUEL RESERVE TANK

Riding a PWC can be a ton of fun, so it is easy to lose track of time when you are darting about the waterways. But a PWC does not have room for oars to row ashore! Most PWCs have a built-in reserve fuel tank that holds a gallon of fuel. Keep a close eye on fuel levels, and head for shore if you have had to switch to the reserve fuel tank.

The 1/3 Rule: When operating a PWC always abide by the 1/3 Rule; this means use 1/3 of your fuel to operate, keep 1/3 of your fuel to get back to shore and keep the other 1/3 as a reserve in case of emergency.

8.1.8 LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Do not underestimate PWCs – they are very powerful for their small size and demand the same respect as any boat. In fact, PWC operation must adhere to the same rules and regulations as any other powerboat – including registration with the state and a B-1 class fire extinguisher aboard. Plus PWCs have some additional requirements:

The operator as well as all passengers of a PWC must be wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD at ALL times.

When towing someone on a tube or on water skis, the PWC is required to have rearview mirrors on both the left and right side of the craft each of which must have a viewing area of 2.5 inches in height by 4 inches in width for a total minimum viewing area of 20 square inches. The mirrors must not be affixed to the steering portion of the PWC.

8.1.9 ACCIDENT PREVENTION

MANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED REGULATIONS SIMPLY ENTAIL COMMON SENSE AND USE OF RESPECT ON THE WATERWAYS. PWCS RIDE LOW IN THE WATER. AS A RESULT, THEY ARE DIFFICULT TO SPOT AND ARE OFTEN SHIELDED FROM VIEW BY OTHER BOATS.

Keep your distance from other boats to avoid blind spots and to respect boaters' space.
Keep a safe distance from other PWCs. Because the vessels can turn so quickly and accelerate rapidly, it is even more important to leave yourself enough time and space to react to other PWC operators.
Take a look behind you before you make a turn, and please be mindful of your wake. A PWC can send a powerful stream of water from the nozzle that could distract, annoy or even harm other operators.
Be careful that your spray does not affect other boaters, swimmers or cause injury to passengers who have fallen off a PWC during a quick acceleration.

ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR WAKE AND BE COURTEOUS TO OTHER BOATERS

8.1.10 NOISE CONTROL

PWCs, like most watercraft, can be noisy. There is no need to draw attention to yourself when operating your PWC in heavy traffic, close to the shoreline, or at the dock. Be aware of your surroundings, and be considerate of those who are sharing the waterway.

8.1.11 HOURS OF OPERATION

PWCs may be operated at all hours of the day, but must be fitted with the required lights in order to operate between sunset and sunrise.

8.1.12 AGE RESTRICTIONS IN ALABAMA

PWC operators in Alabama must be at least twelve (12) years old, but cannot operate without adult supervision until at least fourteen (14) years of age. Operators must have an Alabama Boat Operators Certificate.

8.2 WATER SKIING/WAKEBOARDING/TUBING IN ALABAMA

All persons, regardless of age, must be wearing a type I, II, III or V U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) while water skiing, riding a tube or being towed behind a vessel in any manner.
Skiing while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription narcotics and illegal drugs is forbidden.

When towing an individual behind a vessel (not including personal watercraft) there must also be an observer (12 years of age or older) on the vessel besides the operator, or the boat must be equipped a wide angle mirror that has a minimum viewing surface of 78 square inches and a minimum field of vision of 170 degrees.
Water skiing (or towing of people on other devices) is only allowed between 1 hour before sunrise until 1 hour after sunset.
The operator of the boat may not manipulate or control the boat so as to cause the person(s) being towed to collide with any object or person with the exception of persons engaged in competitive or recreational skiing with regards to jump buoys and similar devices.

8.2.1 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

HERE ARE OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR SAFEGUARDING THE PERSON BEING TOWED:

Do NOT run parallel to the shore in shallow water to drop off the towed person. Keep your distance, and let the towed person swing into shore.
Check the prop and towline for wear before each outing.
The towing vessel should never be remotely controlled.
Turn OFF your engine before approaching closely to a person who has fallen during a towing activity. Approach the fallen person with the operator's side of the boat so you do not lose sight of the towed person.
Before going out on the water, establish communication signals between the operator, observer and the towed person (for example, the towed person may hold up a ski after falling).

8.2.2 HAND SIGNALS

RETURN TO DOCK

SKIER OK

SKIER DOWN

SPEED UP

STOP

SPEED OK

TURN LEFT

TURN RIGHT

SLOW DOWN

8.3 DIVING AND SNORKELING IN ALABAMA

ALPHA FLAG

THE DIVER'S FLAG

Particular care must be taken when boating in waters where there are divers. A vessel engaged in diving must display a blue and white flag. A red and white flag carried on a buoy is to be used to mark areas where diving is in progress, although divers may stray from the boundaries of the marked areas.

Be sure you know what the 'diver down' flags look like. If you see either flag, keep well clear of the vessel and diving site, and move at slow speed (fisherman included) as there may be a diver in close proximity to your watercraft.

In Alabama, boat operators must keep at least 100 feet from the vessel and diving site.

Snorkelers and scuba divers alike are asked not to do dive in areas already occupied by numerous boats. Diving should not take place in narrow waterways, as such would restrict other vessels from passing.

8.4 HUNTING AND FISHING

Wear a life jacket. Too many hunters and anglers are lost every year when they fall overboard. Whether retrieving a trophy fish or shooting game, you must realize how easily you can fall overboard. Wearing a life jacket can save your life. New styles of life jackets that don't restrict movement are now available in camouflage colors.

Anglers and hunters need to be aware of safe boating practices and follow the same guidelines as other recreational vessel operators. Similarly, recreational boaters need to give anglers and hunters a wide berth and respect the space needed to successfully fish and hunt.

CASTING AND RETRIEVING FISH AND FIRING A GUN REQUIRE A STEADY BOAT AND PROPER PRECAUTIONS:

Use the buddy system. Fishing or hunting alone is very risky. At the very least, let a responsible friend or family member know where you plan to fish or hunt and when you expect to return.
Peak fishing hours tend to be during quiet boating times (early morning and early evening). During these times, vision is limited— be sure to have proper navigation lights in working order and a backup flashlight.
When fishing or hunting during the day, keep an eye out for other boaters, and respect their space.

Many anglers and hunters tend to focus exclusively on their fishing or hunting and neglect to keep a proper lookout for fellow boaters and other anglers.
Avoid quick movements. Use caution when retrieving a fish, collecting decoys or firing your gun: all these actions can result in falls-overboard emergencies.
Slow down around other boaters, and show respect by limiting noises, which travels clearly over water.

Give anglers and hunters a wide berth. Anglers are casting all around their vessel and hunters are firing guns — stay clear! A boat's wake could swamp an angler's boat. Additionally, anglers who are trolling may have their fishing line out a fair distance behind them — if you approach too closely, your boat could sever their fishing line.

8.5 PADDLESPORTS

Canoeists and kayakers are boaters too, and they need to follow safe boating practices. A significant portion of fatal capsizes result from occupant movement. A study of paddlesport accident statistics from 1995 to 2000 identifies problem areas that offer the greatest opportunity to reduce canoe and kayak fatalities:

75% of all fatalities examined were associated with canoeing rather than kayaking.
83% of all canoeing-related fatality victims were not wearing a PFD at the time of the accident.
Weight shift played a major role in roughly 50% of all canoeing accidents.
Approximately 50% of victims in fatal canoe and kayak accidents were fishing at the time of the accident.
At least 25% of victims in fatal canoeing accidents are believed to have consumed alcohol immediately before the accident.

Source: Critical Judgement: Understanding and Preventing Canoe and Kayak Fatalities, American Canoe Association 2003

8.5.1 GENERAL PADDLING SAFETY GUIDELINES

Wear a properly fitted PDF and avoid alcohol. Be prepared to enter the water, and know how to swim.
Standing up or moving about in a canoe or kayak greatly increases the chance of capsizing.
Maintain three points of contact while moving around. (As you move a foot to step forward, you should be holding onto the boat with BOTH hands; then, with both feet down, move one hand at a time.)
Load the boat properly (keep the weight centered both from side to side and bow to stern). The lower and the closer the load is to the boat's centerline, generally the more stable the boat will be, assuming there is adequate freeboard. Stay with in the limits of the boat's capacity rating.
Keep your shoulders between the gunnels of the boat. When retrieving something from the water, reach with your paddle or guide the boat close to the object.
Avoid extreme conditions, which can involve weather, distance from shore, water conditions, and current — including flood water or fast current beyond your skill level.

Never paddle alone. There is safety in numbers.
Take hands-on training. Paddling instruction will teach you balance, use of stabilizing strokes, safe exit and entry on the water, and rescue and recovery skills.

CHAPTER 8 SUMMARY

AFTER READING CHAPTER 8, YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF:

What a personal watercraft (PWC) is, what its characteristics are, and what laws/regulations apply to it
Waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing regulations and recommendations.
Diving and snorkeling guidelines
Hunting and fishing guidelines
Paddlesports safety guidelines