PWC PWC Operation and Handling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum safe following distance between two PWCs traveling at speed?
- One boat length
- At least 100 feet (Correct answer)
- Half the vessel length
- 50 feet
Correct answer: At least 100 feet
Maintaining at least 100 feet of following distance allows adequate reaction time and stopping distance at PWC speeds.
Question 2: When two PWCs approach each other head-on, what is the correct action?
- The faster vessel has right of way
- Both vessels turn to the right (starboard) (Correct answer)
- The smaller vessel must yield
- Both vessels stop immediately
Correct answer: Both vessels turn to the right (starboard)
In a head-on meeting situation, both vessels must turn to starboard (right) to pass port-to-port, following standard navigation rules.
Question 3: What does it mean if a PWC is equipped with a 'Brake' or 'iBR' system?
- The PWC has traditional friction brakes
- The system allows for controlled deceleration and reverse thrust (Correct answer)
- The engine automatically shuts off
- The throttle locks in place
Correct answer: The system allows for controlled deceleration and reverse thrust
Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) systems redirect jet thrust to slow the craft and allow reverse, significantly reducing stopping distance.
Question 4: What should you do if your PWC begins to porpoise (bounce bow up and down)?
- Accelerate to plane speed
- Shift weight forward and adjust trim (Correct answer)
- Immediately shut off the engine
- Lean backward to raise the bow more
Correct answer: Shift weight forward and adjust trim
Porpoising is corrected by shifting rider weight forward and adjusting throttle/trim to flatten the hull's running angle.
Question 5: How should you handle wakes from larger vessels while operating a PWC?
- Accelerate to jump over them
- Approach wakes at a 90-degree angle at reduced speed (Correct answer)
- Always avoid wakes entirely by turning away
- Ignore small wakes under 1 foot
Correct answer: Approach wakes at a 90-degree angle at reduced speed
Crossing a wake at a 90-degree angle at reduced speed provides the most stable crossing and reduces the risk of capsizing.
Question 6: What is the primary hazard of 'wake jumping' near other vessels?
- Engine overheating
- Loss of propulsion
- Losing control and colliding with other boats or swimmers (Correct answer)
- Hull stress fractures
Correct answer: Losing control and colliding with other boats or swimmers
Wake jumping near other vessels creates a serious collision risk as the PWC may be launched into the air and land on another craft or person.
PWC PWC Operation and Handling 2
What is the minimum safe following distance between two PWCs traveling at speed?