| Boat and Marine Insurance Suite... |
| Top 5 Reasons for Buying Life Insurance |
 |
1. Pay off Debt
2. Funeral expense
3. Replace income
4. Estate Preservation
5. Business Continuation
2. Funeral expense
3. Replace income
4. Estate Preservation
5. Business Continuation
| The Advisors Of "The Insurance Suite" Will Design A Plan To Meet Your Needs. |
Personal Watercraft Safety
One of the fastest growing American pastimes is recreational boating. While many boaters cruise in sailboats and powerboats,
personal watercraft (PWC) have become a popular way to enjoy the water. Recreational boaters use them as tenders on
larger boats, to water ski, to commute and for just plain fun.
These pages will acquaint you with some of the information you should know before leaving the shore. For your own safety
and the safety of others, we encourage you to learn more.
Federal and State Regulations
While personal watercraft are often skippered by teens and young adults, they are not toys. They are classified by the U.S.
Coast Guard as Class A inboard boats (boats less than 16' in length). Both the craft and its operator must comply with all
Federal and state requirements.
Federal regulations require that personal watercraft be registered and have an identification number. The validation sticker
and registration number must be displayed on the craft.
State regulations vary, but may require the operator to be of a minimum age (usually 14 to 16 years old), complete a safe
boating course and/or obtain an operator's certificate. States and local jurisdictions may also regulate speed limits, hours and
areas of operation.
Safety Equipment
All Class A inboard craft must carry the following items:
- Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each person aboard. (Type III vests, the most popular
among PWC enthusiasts, are not designed to turn unconscious wearers face up, but allow greater freedom than Types
I or II) - Fully charged portable B-1 type fire extinguisher
- Efficient sound-producing device (whistle or horn) for signaling or warning
In addition, the following items are strongly recommended to carry or wear aboard the craft:
- PWC owner's manual
- Boating safety course certificate
- Local chart
- Small waterproof first-aid kit
- Emergency repair supplies—basic tools, spare lanyard, strong tape, spare spark plugs, oil, spray lubricant and cleaner
- Visual distress signal (flare, brightly colored cloth or flag, signaling mirror)
- Tow rope
- Plastic one gallon fuel can
- Telescoping oar
- Anchor
- Sunscreen with UV protection
- Wet suit for water below 70º—Neoprene pants for warmer water
- Helmet (required for racing)—A high percentage of injuries are head injuries
- Sunglasses or goggles
- Nonskid shoes or boots (for example, neoprene "wet-booties") Gloves
- Waterproof watch
Before Leaving Home
Study your owner's manual to learn all you can about your PWC. Inspect your craft and make necessary repairs.
Check:
- Steering controls are operating properly
- For hull damage
- Throttle works freely and returns to idle position when released
- Hoses, hose connections and clamps
- Battery and cable connections
- For fuel and oil leaks
- For adequate fuel and oil levels—the jump pump cover and inlet grate for looseness
- Engine cover latches are secure
- Check that all safety equipment is aboard and in proper working order.
File a float plan with a close neighbor or friend. Instruct them to alert the Coast Guard or local Search and Rescue agency if
you do not arrive home when expected.
Before Leaving Shore
At the Launch Ramp:
- It helps to have someone in the car, and someone at the water.
- Prepare your PWC as much as possible before taking your turn in line. Remove the craft cover. Remove the seat for a
few minutes to allow gas fumes to vent. Undo the stern (not bow) tie-downs. Unplug the trailer lights. Make sure the
PWC drain plugs are in place. Visually inspect your PWC from bow to stern. - Be courteous. Wait your turn at the ramp. Don't rush, but don't linger longer than necessary.
- Make sure the way is clear before launching. Look for other craft, debris, etc.
- Be prepared to ride clear of the launch area immediately and to secure the PWC out of the way of others.
- Never leave the trailer unattended on the ramp with only the parking brake set.
In the Water:
- Make sure you and your riders are wearing the proper gear, including PFDs. Most PWC operators who drown are not
wearing a PFD. - Attach the kill switch safety lanyard to your PFD or wrist. If you fall off, the PWC will come to a stop.
- Before starting the engine, check that the throttle control and handlebars are operating smoothly, and that the steering
nozzle turns properly in both directions. - The engine should be started in at least three feet of water to avoid stirring up the ground or damaging the jet pump.
Run your engine for several seconds to get the water out. - Maintain idle speed for at least 100 yards from shore and until you're in a clear area.
Practice before taking off:
- Make sure that you and your riders are familiar with the PWC. If you or a rider are operating a particular craft for the
first time, practice in an area that is clear of other craft and obstacles before venturing off into deeper water. - Start slowly. The engine will run at idle if there is no pressure on the throttle, and the craft will normally move forward at
several miles per hour. To increase speed, gently squeeze the throttle. - Turn in different directions, and at different speeds. Practice shifting your weight as you turn, as when riding a bicycle.
PWC models vary in how they respond to rider position. - Practice coming to a stop at a low speed to see how the craft behaves. Notice that without power you can't steer. In
addition, notice that the craft does not come to an immediate stop. PWC (like other boats) have no brakes - when you
turn off the engine, the distance the craft travels before coming to a complete stop depends on hull design, the original
speed, water conditions, and total craft weight, including everyone and everything aboard. - Make sure that you and your rider are completely comfortable with maneuvering the craft before increasing speed and
traveling further offshore.
| Are You Paying Too Much For Your Boat Insurance Needs? Get a Free Comparison Quote From The Insurance Suite Today!!! |
For an instant quote, click on the link below!
| Contact us at below for a customized quote for your boat or personal watercraft. |
Boat and Marine Insurance
| © 2009 - 2010 TheInsuranceSuite.com | Life Insurance | Health Insurance | Auto Insurance | Home Insurance | Business Insurance | Annuities | Customer Service | Privacy Notice | Careers | Branch Offices | Site Map | Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614 |
| Home | Life Insurance | Health Insurance | Auto Insurance | Home Insurance | Business Insurance | Fixed Annuities | Customer Service | Careers | Branch Offices |
 |
