Getting There

As you travel to your launching site, keep these things in mind in order to arrive safely and without damage to your personal watercraft:

Before you go - read and understand your state's trailer laws.

1. Become familiar with the owner's manual for your trailer.



2. Allow extra braking distance.



3. Practice backing up before going to an actual launching site.



4. Always back up slowly to avoid a "jackknife" of your car and trailer.



5. Check to see that your tires are properly inflated.



6. Regularly service, lubricate, and adjust the wheel bearings according to the manufacturer's recommendation.



7. Check to ensure that there are no loose bolts, cracks, broken joints, or faulty welding.



8. Test the tie-downs to be sure they are tight and properly attached.



9. Turn on and test your trailer's lights and signals to be certain they're working properly.



10. Some states require a secure form of connection between the trailer and towing vehicle, rather than "S" hooks.

Filing a Float Plan

When you plan to boat, especially on larger waters, it is a good idea to leave information about the expected destination, boat description, course, time of departure and time of expected return with friends or relatives. This is designed to assist rescue authorities in locating you and your boat in the event of an accident.

A float plan can be as simple as telling a responsible person where you are going, who you are going with, and when you plan to return. Or it can be as detailed as the downloadable float plan.

Here is an example of a Float Plan that you can save and print for your use:

Download the Float Plan document (139k).

Communication Procedures

It is the operator's responsibility to inform passengers about the location of PFDs, fire extinguishers, first aid kit, discharge and management of waste procedures, anchoring procedures, emergency radio operation (if applicable), storm/rough weather procedures, line handling, emergency boat operation and reboarding procedure should someone fall off the PWC or other type of boat.

In the event of an emergency the boat operator must be able to respond quickly and communicate his or her situation to relevant authorities. Understanding how to use marine communication procedures is an essential element of responding to emergencies.

For PWC users and other boaters who frequent large bodies of water a VHF radio would come in handy in case of an emergency. VHF marine radios have channels reserved for distress signals that are continuously monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard. Use VHF Channel 16 to issue a MAYDAY if you are faced with a life-threatening emergency. Remember, improper use of Channel 16 brings penalties. If you hear a MAYDAY call, remain silent, listen and write down the information being given by the boat in distress. Be aware that the distance of sending and receiving messages is limited by the height of the antenna and the power of the radio. If the U.S. Coast Guard or other rescue authority does not respond, try to reach the Coast Guard while traveling toward the boat. If you can not reach the Coast Guard, try to assist the other boat to the best of your ability while not placing yourself or your passengers in danger.

Channel 9 is used for communications between boats - both commercial and recreational. Channel 22 is used for communications between the Coast Guard and boaters.

Using waterproof cases PWC operators can bring along a mobile phone. These phones can be highly beneficial in emergencies on other types of boats as well. Keep a list of appropriate phone numbers onboard.

Use it to call 911 or other water rescue authority in your area. Where service is provided, you may also press "*CG" and then "Send" on your mobile phone to contact a nearby U. S. Coast Guard rescue center.

Waterproof cellular phone cases allow PWC users to bring telephones useful for contacting local law enforcement agencies. When using a cell phone in an emergency situation, the phone may not be directed to the closest provider. To help authorities respond to an emergency quickly, be prepared to give the operator detailed information as to your exact location and nature of your emergency. However, cell phones have serious limitations and should not be used as a substitute for a VHF radio.