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In The Hot Seat A Place to Discuss Hot Issues Affecting Our Sport By Jeff Browning What to do with PWCs Well, I must first start off this month with a generous thank you to all that responded to last months column. Your feedback is much appreciated as we address the PWC issue and other subjects in upcoming On The Wire issues. Some responses were pretty interesting... Here's a glimpse at some of the comments. "What does PWC stand for?" "...I have had my (un)fair share of negative jetski incidents..." "Obviously, the jetskiers don't try to wakejump behind my Hobie cat, so I don't have a problem on my cat." "I love to hate the PWC'ers (its fun) but I'm not sure how strongly I really dislike them." Interestingly though, there was a fairly common tone to the responses regarding PWCs. Not all PWC riders create problems for sailors It is important to keep the issue in perspective - not all PWC riders make an afternoon on the water a noisy, unbearable experience. One reader noted quite eloquently that, "I think the real concern is the behavior of some people who use PWCs, right? Let's focus the discussion on such people and their behavior". In fact, one reader pointed out that, "[a] Jetskier helped out with righting my boat following a capsize." Another added that, "where I do most of my sailing, if a Hobie cat capsizes the first person on the scene is usually a PWC (or a regular powerboat)." So as with many things, just a few bad apples can spoil the barrel... which is why responsible PWC operators should consider these concerns seriously and try their best to keep obnoxious riders in line. Noise matters. A noteworthy concern was noise: "My main objection to PWCs is the constant whining noise...when I go for a walk along the shoreline, the noise is rather annoying," stated one respondent. This noise, that equates excitement for some means potential trouble to others. It also has a profound impact on the environment by scaring wildlife away from their local habitat. They can't keep a straight course! The most mentioned concern is best explained as PWC riding behavior. One respondent noted that, "the objections I have to PWCs are when they are erratically driven. Other boats tend to follow a true, more predictable course so it is easier to navigate around them". Granted, some of this has to do with PWC design but it also suggests that operators do not realize the importance of holding course so that other boats can anticipate their intentions. The importance of this concern only grows more significant as speeds increase. What to do? I honestly feel that very few PWC operators leave the beach with the intent of ruining some sailor's day. And in fact, many of the letters I received suggested that PWCs pose more problems for powerboats and water-skiers. Many riders just simply do not understand how much their riding behavior has a profound affect on everyone that enjoys the water. So, I would like to propose some actions that might make a difference to everyone that shares the water we sail on. Required training and licensing for those that purchase and operate a PWC It appears that a number of problems with PWCs stems from the fact that they visit the local dealer, buy a 'ski, and run out to the nearest launching ramp and rip up the water. By licensing and training (as they do with motorcycles and other motorized vehicles), they will help point out poor riding habits BEFORE the operator hits the water. An operator's license will help prove that they have successfully completed a training course and help identify repeat offenders. In addition, one reader suggested that, "I would be willing to get a license to sail my boat if it means that young kids would not be allowed to operate 'skis." This leads to my next suggestion... Operator age requirements Many PWC accidents and related injuries can be directly attributed to young riders. Some states are beginning to see this trend and have begun to establish requirements for age. Some have established varying age requirements that allow younger children to drive if accompanied by an adult. Noise restrictions As one reader put it, "I obviously strongly favor noise restrictions on PWCs, so they are required to have really effective mufflers. We do that for motorcycles, powerboats, and even for cars with loud stereo systems." This seems more than fair - why should PWCs be exonerated from these requirements? In addition, PWCs are allowed to install a variety of after market parts that can potentially make them louder! These need to be controlled for the obvious reasons. Riding "rules of the road" for PWCs The rules for navigating waters were designed with a certain set of vessels in mind. But, PWCs really supersede the practicality of these rules with incredible acceleration, speed, and handling. Therefore, limits on certain activities such as wave-jumping and riding at high speed near the shoreline should be some specified. According to a reader from California, "I think making wake-jumping a ticketable offense is a good idea." In fact, he adds that there is legislation that addresses this in California. Conclusions Too often, people can't clearly explain their frustrations with PWCs. We all realize that most operators mean well and that bans and restrictions are never a good solution. But, we need to be clear about our concerns with PWCs. With this in mind, I'm hoping the presented concerns and proposed solutions will help establish a core perspective on what the problems are and ways to solve them. What do you think? Are these proposals realistic? How should they be presented to those that legislate our waters? I look forward to hearing from you. Cheers, Jeff Browning 74003.142@compuserve.com Back to Features |