Personal Water Craft Test

1. Which of the following is considered correct and safe operation of a PWC?

   1. When operating a PWC, be sure to release the throttle and turn off the engine when you are trying to maneuver around an object at a fast speed
   2. When operating a PWC, jump every wake and wave you come across
   3. When operating a PWC, maintain a proper lookout and scan constantly with sight and hearing
   4. When operating a PWC, ensure that all passengers smaller than you ride in the front, between you and the handlebars

2. The throttle on a PWC controls your:

   1. Gas consumption
   2. Steering
   3. Jet thrust nozzle
   4. Speed

3. If you capsize in open water, it is recommended to swim to the rear of the PWC to turn it upright. When doing so, the following procedure is recommended:

   1. Turn it upright according to the decal at the bottom or rear of the vessel, as damage to the PWC can occur if you turn it the wrong way.
   2. Turn it upright either to the right or the left, whichever is easiest to maneuver.
   3. Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey
   4. Abandon your jet ski and swim for shore

4. Which of the following statements is not true about lifejacket wear while operating or riding a PWC?

   1. All life jackets should be U. S. Coast Guard approved
   2. All life jackets should be in good and serviceable condition (including straps and zippers) and properly stowed (if not worn)
   3. Speed ratings for life jackets are not important as long as the life jackets are USCG approved
   4. All life jackets should be the proper size for the intended wearer (should fit snugly)

5. Which of the following is an example of safe and responsible PWC operation?

   1. Allowing items such as long hair, sand, stones, fishing line, loose clothing, or life jacket straps to remain near the jet drive intake while operating the PWC
   2. Spraying or attempting to spray other objects or persons with the wash or jet spray of the watercraft
   3. Keeping your speed under control and not testing the limits, maintaining watch for conditions that limit your visibility or block your vision of others
   4. Jumping wakes or waves and using excessive speed only when wearing a life jacket and ensuring no other vessels or objects are in close proximity in the water

6. PWC Operation is safe and acceptable in which of the following conditions:

   1. Within close proximity to people, objects, and other boats (including PWC’s) at excessive speeds
   2. When the PWC is overloaded
   3. At night
   4. During daylight, when visibility is clear and the PWC is operated at safe speeds

7. Regarding children and PWC’s, which of the following statements is incorrect?

   1. Make sure that all riders’ feet reach the foot well floor
   2. Although state laws vary, most states have minimum age requirements for PWC operation, so it is important to check with your rental livery regarding minimum age requirements in your state before allowing younger boaters to operate a PWC
   3. Child passengers should always sit in front of the operator while riding a PWC
   4. All children under 13 years of age must wear a life jacket

8. Which of the following statements is incorrect as it pertains to your role as a PWC operator?

   1. You do not need to be concerned about safety equipment for your PWC. If the livery operator did not include it, you don’t need it.
   2. Carefully observe and follow the instructions and safety rules you receive from your rental livery operator.
   3. If you are fueling your vessel, be sure to take every precaution not to spill fuel into the water. If you do, your PWC should have a spill kit included, which should include absorbent pads, socks and booms.
   4. Make sure you have enough gas for your return back to the rental livery. A good rule of thumb regarding fuel use is one-third out, one-third back in, and one-third in reserve.

9. Before starting the engine, what action should you take as the PWC operator ?

   1. Check your blind spot
   2. Securely attach the engine shut-off cord, or lanyard, to your wrist or life jacket
   3. Put your sunglasses on
   4. Make sure you have enough water to drink

10. It’s strongly recommended to wear protective clothing such as a wet suit or a wet suit bottom while operating the PWC for the following reason:

    1. To reduce the amount of sun exposure on a hot day
    2. In order to prevent severe internal injuries that can occur if water is forced into body cavities as a result of falling into the water or being near the jet thrust nozzle
    3. Because wet suits are cool
    4. To maintain proper circulation while riding