2. According to the Navigation Rules, which of the following is true? a) A boat under power is always a stand-on boat. b) A personal watercraft is always a give-way boat.

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE: A Coast Guard-approved PFD with an impact rating suitable for the intended use must be worn by the operator and any passengers. These devices are usually Type II or substitutable TYPE V PFDs and are distinguished by their three or four securing belts. The impact rating is noted on the label.

Personal watercraft operators, passengers and anyone being towed behind the vessel must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III or V PFD, except inflatable. All boaters and/or passengers 12 years of age and younger on a vessel that is 26 feet or less must be wearing a PFD while the vessel is underway.

Know the hand signals. If the skier wants to return to the dock or the boat, the skier should pat one hand on his or her head. After a fall, a skier should always signal to the observer that he or she is okay by holding both arms together above the head.

While there is risk for physical injury in water skiing, there is strong evidence that these injuries can be prevented. Lacerations to the head and neck, and concussions, are common among water skiers due to making contact with the water, tow handle, jumps, buoys, or the water skis.

Always respond to the skier’s signals. If you need to turn the boat, signal the skier of your intentions. Once the skier has dropped or fallen, circle the skier slowly either to return the tow line to the skier or to pick up the skier. Always keep the skier in view and on the operator’s side of the boat.

If towing a person on skis or other device with a PWC, the PWC must be rated to carry at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier. You may not exceed the specified number of passengers identified by the PWC manufacturer as the maximum safe load for the vessel.

When operating a pwc, passing too closely behind another vessels, most likely will create a blind spot that blocks other boats from seeing you. Headlights can also create a blind spots and prevent others from seeing you.

So there are two things needed to steer a PWC: control of the angle of the jet nozzle from side to side and sufficient water exit pressure to control the movement of the craft. Too low engine speed reduces nozzle pressure and that limits or does away with steering ability.