PWC PWC Emergency Procedures

Question 1

What is the first action to take if a PWC operator falls into the water and the craft is drifting away?

Accepted Answer

Stay calm, signal for help if needed, and wait — most modern PWCs circle back toward the operator

Answer

Swim after the craft immediately at full speed

Answer

Dive under the craft to grab the hull

Answer

Inflate your PFD only after you have the craft

Question 2

What is the correct response if a PWC operator witnesses another boater in distress?

Accepted Answer

Assess safety, call for help on VHF Channel 16 or by phone, and assist from a safe distance if trained to do so

Answer

Always attempt a physical rescue by pulling them aboard the PWC

Answer

Only help if no Coast Guard is visible nearby

Answer

Continue to shore to report the incident

Question 3

What is the universal distress signal that a PWC operator should use if stranded or in danger?

Accepted Answer

Waving both arms slowly up and down in a sweeping motion

Answer

Continuous sounding of a horn or whistle

Answer

Flying a red flag

Answer

Turning the engine on and off repeatedly

Question 4

How should a PWC operator respond to a fire on the craft?

Accepted Answer

Stop the engine, move away from the craft, and use the fire extinguisher from a safe distance

Answer

Accelerate to blow out the flames

Answer

Jump into the water immediately without turning off the engine

Answer

Open all hatches to ventilate the fire

Question 5

What is the 'reach, throw, don't go' principle in water rescue?

Accepted Answer

A safety guideline to assist a drowning person by reaching with an object or throwing a flotation device before entering the water

Answer

A technique for high-speed water rescue

Answer

A first aid protocol for near-drowning victims

Answer

A rule for Coast Guard swimmers only

Question 6

What should a PWC operator do if caught in a sudden severe thunderstorm?

Accepted Answer

Get off the water immediately, seek shelter, or if caught offshore, make yourself as low as possible and stay low in the craft

Answer

Outrun the storm by accelerating to full speed

Answer

Anchor in the middle of the waterway and wait

Answer

Raise a metal object to check for static electricity