Boating Basics: On the Water Especially for PWC

Although a PWC is considered an inboard vessel and should be operated under the same rules and requirements of any other vessel, there are specific considerations for PWC operators.

Steering and Stopping a PWC

Most PWCs have a steering nozzle at the back of the unit. It is controlled by a handle bar or steering wheel that directs the stream of water from right to left. When the steering control is turned right, the steering nozzle is turned right. The force of the water stream leaving the nozzle then pushes the back of the vessel to the left, which causes the PWC to turn right.

Remember—no power means no steering control... You must always have power in order to maintain control. If you allow the engine to return to idle or shut off during operation, you lose all steering control. The PWC will continue in the direction it was headed before the engine was shut off, no matter which way the steering control is turned.

Always allow plenty of room for stopping. Just because you release the throttle or shut off the engine does not mean you will stop immediately.