RYA WINTER 2020


COURSE NOTES Personal Watercraft


42


‘Great fun – but they need to be used with care’


Start your personal watercraft adventure with the RYA one-day course


Chris’s PW course was a mix of shore-based and on-water


sessions – including riding the waves out of Poole harbour.


There is also a focus on riding considerately and being aware of other water users around you. ‘We did two sessions ashore


P


and two on the water, where we ventured out of the harbour entrance,’ says Chris. ‘This was the best part as we rode the waves in the tide rip coming out of the harbour.’ And the worst part? ‘Probably controlling the urge to go as fast as possible when practising slalom turns!’ he admits. So will Chris venture out on a personal watercraft


ersonal watercraft (abbreviated to ‘PW’s, and also known as jetskis) can be fun and a great way to


explore. They’re small, lightweight and relatively straightforward to use, and can be easily stored and transported, offering a simple way to get out on the water. Unfortunately, an irresponsible few can sometimes attract bad press, giving PW riders a bad name. Keen to learn more, RYA Chair Chris Preston visited Poole harbour to take the RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency course. Although this was his first time on a


personal watercraft, he’s no stranger to the water, or to powered craft. ‘My wife and I currently race a 1924 West Solent One Design and have a half share in a motor launch,’ he explains, ‘but over the years we’ve also owned RIBs and other power vessels.’ The affordable, one-day RYA training


course teaches you how to ride safely and responsibly. As well as mastering the practical skills and manoeuvres, it also covers the basics of navigation and rules of the road – which include knowing what buoyage signifies and how to avoid collisions on the water.


again? ‘As a newcomer, I found it great fun,’ he says. ‘But they are faster, more powerful and have a much greater range than I had expected. I quickly realised they need to be used with care – it’s not simply a case of hop on and go. ‘If I have the opportunity to use one again, I know I’ll be much safer having done the course. I now understand how quickly a PW user can get into trouble without instruction, and would encourage anyone who buys one to complete some training.’


The RYA has been working with


the Personal Watercraft Partnership (PWP) to improve signage at personal watercraft launch sites. The graphics are free for harbour authorities and launch sites in the UK. It’s hoped they will help PW users feel welcome and provide reminders for safe and considerate riding. The RYA, RNLI and PWP are also producing videos aimed at PW users. For more information, visit www.pwp.org.uk


Find out more about RYA’s training courses at www.rya.org.uk/training


THE COURSE


RYA PERSONAL WATERCRAFT PROFICIENCY


AIMED AT First-time and experienced riders alike. Many UK harbour authorities now require you have the certificate in order to launch. It can also be used to apply for the ICC, which is often required when using personal watercraft abroad.


COURSE DETAILS Most courses take one day and can be taken either on the training centre’s watercraft or your own.


EXPERIENCE REQUIRED None.


MINIMUM AGE 12 years old. Certificates for children aged between 12 and 16 will be endorsed for use under the supervision of a responsible adult.


TRIED AND TESTED RYA Chair Chris Preston


RECOMMENDED READING Everyone who takes the course is given a copy


of the RYA Personal Watercraft Handbook


(G35), which is essential reading for all PW riders.


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