Tennessee Safe Boating Course
Chapter 8: Other Water Activities
8.1 Personal Watercraft and other 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 and is designed to be sat, knelt, or stood on in contrast to the traditional style of sitting in a vessel, like a typical boat. The PWC generates its power by drawing water in through
the bottom of the boat by an internal propeller (impeller) and accelerates the water
through a nozzle at the back of the boat. Most PWCs are designed for 2, 3 and even
4 people.
8.1.2 Off-Throttle Steering
As mentioned, PWCs generate their power by pulling water through the impeller and
out 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 a power-driven
vessel - where slowing down or turning off the motor and steering through obstacles
is advised - a PWC can only maintain its steering ability 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. Also - 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 into shore because PWCs cannot stop quickly. PWCs have no brakes and have no
ablilty to stop other than 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 to four-person vessels. Consult your User's Manual for your PWC's load
capacities - and never exceed the manufacturer's recommendations.
8.1.5 Re-boarding a PWC
A PWC is relatively easy to right if it overturns. Most have a decal attached to
the back of the vessel which indicates the proper direction to turn the PWC to the
upright position. Consult with your User's Manual if a decal is not present - contrary
to popular belief, there is a proper direction to turn it over, and you can do damage
if the PWC is turned the wrong way.
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 and in rough waters.
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
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 in the water and off their vessel.
If you fall off the PWC the lanyard will be pulled off the start/stop switch and
the PWC will stop relatively quickly. The lanyard ensures 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 - 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 must use the reserve fuel tank.
8.1.8 Laws and Regulations
Do not underestimate PWC's - 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 PWC's have some additional
requirements:
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The operator as well as all passengers
of a PWC must be wearing a PFD.
-
When towing someone on a tube
or on water skis there must be capacity on the PWC to accommodate the operator and
the observer.
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PWCs being operated in Tennessee
waters are required to have a kill switch with lanyard or a self-circling device.
Please note that the lanyard must be fastened to the operator, his clothing or his
PFD.
-
Please consult your local marinas
or municipalities for the zones of restricted operation. Municipalities may have
several restricted operation areas.
- PWC operators can not jump the wake of another vessel while within 100 feet of that
vessel.
8.1.9 Accident Prevention
Many of the aforementioned regulations are simply common sense and use of respect
on the waterways. PWCs ride lower in the water, as a result, they are more difficult
to spot and can often be shielded by other boats.
- Keep your distance from other boats to avoid blind-spots and respect boaters' space.
- Also 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 and swimmers.
- 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 harm or at
the least, distract or annoy other operators.
- Be careful that your spray does not affect other boaters, swimmers or passengers
that may slip off the back during a hard acceleration.
Have fun - but be courteous of your fellow boaters and property owners to ensure
a safe boating experience.
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 from sunrise to sunset.
8.1.12 Age Restrictions in Tennessee
There is a minimum age requirement of 12 years old, for those who wish to operate
a Personal Watercraft (PWC) while unaccompanied by an adult. An adult must be present
when the PWC operator is under 12 years of age.
8.2 Waterskiing/Wakeboarding/Tubing in Tennessee
All must be wearing a 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 there must also
be an observer on the vessel in addition to the operator who is at least 12 years
of age or a wide angle mirror affixed to the vessel positioned so that the operator
can always view the water-skier. If the towing vessel is a PWC, it must be equipped
with two wide angle rearview mirrors
or an observer at least 12 years old.
-
Water skiing (or towing of people on other
devices) is prohibited between sunset and sunrise.
- 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.
8.2.1 Other Considerations
There are some other considerations for safeguarding the person being towed:
- Do NOT run parallel to the shore in shallow water to drop off the towed person -
rather, keep your distance and let the towed person swing into shore
- Check the prop and towline before each outing for wear
- 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 and approach the fallen person from the driver side so you don't
lose sight of them
- Establish communication signals between the operator and the towed person (ie: holding
up a ski after falling)
8.2.3 Hand Signals
Skier Ok
Return to Dock
Skier Down
Speed Up
Stop
Speed Ok
Turn Left
Turn Right
Slow Down
8.3 Diving and Snorkeling
Particular care must be taken when boating in waters where there are divers. A vessel engaged
in diving should display a blue and white flag. A red and white flag
carried on a buoy is 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 a slow speed (fishermen
included) as there may be a diver in close proximity to your watercraft.
Snorkelers and scuba divers alike are asked not to dive in areas where there are
already numerous boats occupying the space. Further, diving should not take place
in narrow water ways, as such would restrict watercraft from passing.
8.3.1 Diving and Snorkeling in Tennessee
Both snorkelers and scuba divers are required to display the diver down flag and
are also required to stay within a distance of no more than 50 feet from the flag.
Both snorkeling and
scuba diving are often restricted to designated areas of water. Please check with
your local authorities to verify if diving is permitted in the waters you wish to
dive in.
If diving after sunset, divers and snorkelers are required to illuminate their diver
down flag so it may be seen from a distance of 300 feet and more. As well vessels
involved in diving operations after sunset must display the Alpha flag from their
mast and have it illuminated so it may be seen from a distance of 300 feet or more
as well.
8.4 Hunting & Fishing
Anglers and hunters need to be aware of safe boating practices and follow the same
guidelines as other recreational operators. Similarly, recreational boaters need
to give anglers/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/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 back-up flashlight.
-
When fishing/hunting during the day, keep an eye out for other boaters and respect
their space. Many anglers/hunters tend to focus exclusively on fishing/hunting and
neglect to keep a proper lookout for fellow boaters and other anglers.
-
Load your boat properly. Try to keep equipment low and centered, as this greatly helps the boat's stability.
- Avoid quick movements. Use caution when retrieving a fish, collecting decoys or
firing your rifle - all these actions can result in falls overboard emergencies.
-
Remain seated as much as possible. When you have to move around the boat, try to always keep three points of contact with the boat at all times, as this will help you and your boat to remain stable.
- Slow down around other boaters and show respect by limiting noise that amplifies
and travels over water.
- Wear a PFD! Too many hunters/anglers are lost every year when they fall overboard.
Whether retrieving a trophy fish or shooting game, anglers/hunters must realize
how easily they can fall overboard in their respective sports - a worn PFD could
save a life! Inflatable PFD's are perfect for fishing or hunting, as they do not limit mobility. When in colder waters, consider a full-body PFD or immersion suit. These will help you stay afloat as well as help you keep warm.
Recreational
boat operators need to respect and recognize anglers/hunters. Give anglers/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
that are trolling may have their fishing line out a fair distance behind them -
approaching too closely could sever the fishing line.
8.5 Paddlesports
Canoeists and kayakers are boaters too - and need to follow safe boating practices.
A significant portion of fatal capsizes result from occupant movement. A study of
paddlesport accident statistics from 1995-2000 identify priority problem areas and
targets that offer the greatest opportunity to significantly reduce canoe and kayak
fatalities, namely:
- 75% of all fatalities examined were associated with canoeing (versus) kayaking.
- 83% of all canoeing related fatality victims were not wearing a PFD at the time
of the accident.
-
Occupant movement and weight shift within a canoe played a major role in roughly
50% of all canoeing accidents.
- Approximately 50% of canoe and kayak related fatalities were fishing at the time
of the accident.
- At least 25% of victims in fatal canoeing accidents are believed to have consumed
alcohol immediately prior to 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 lifejacket and avoid alcohol. Be prepared to enter the water,
know how to swim.
- Standing up or moving about in a canoe or kayak greatly increases the chance of
capsize.
- 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 in the boat is to the boat's centerline,
generally the more stable the boat will be, assuming there is adequate freeboard.
Stay within the limits of the boat's capacity rating on the capacity plate if one
is present.)
- Keep your shoulders inside the gunwales of the boat. When retrieving something from
the water, reach with your paddle or guide the boat close to the object.
- Never paddle alone. There is safety in numbers.
-
Be mindful of strainers. Debris which collects around rocks or bridge piers can trap floating objects, and are
very easy to overlook until it is too late. Keep an eye out when paddling underneath a bridge, and try to stay away from rocky areas.
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Pay plenty of attention to signs, buoys or warning markers indicating low-head dams. They are very easy to miss from upstream, and virtually impossible to detect until it is too late from upstream. Stay well-clear of low-head dams.
- Avoid extreme conditions: including weather, distance from shore, water conditions,
current - including flood water or fast current beyond skill level.
- 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 Summary
Upon completion of reading Chapter 8, you should have knowledge of:
- What a Personal Watercraft (PWC) is, its characteristics and laws/regulations regarding
a PWC
- Water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing regulations and recommendations
- Diving and snorkeling guidelines
- Hunting and fishing guidelines
- Paddlesports safety guidelines.
Tennessee Safe Boating Course