Personal Watercraft

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Personal Watercraft

Personal Watercraft (PWC) which include brands such as Seadoo, JetSki and Waverunner differ from boats, in that the rider sits or stands on the vessel, rather than being ‘in’ the vessel. Each vessel is powered by an inboard jet pump with an impeller, which creates powerful thrust for propulsion and steering – and delivers an exhilarating ride.

Designed for two or three (and sometimes four) people, the acceleration of a PWC makes this type of vessel particularly attractive to those seeking uncomplicated and instant performance on the water.

OWN IT

If you own a PWC, you are responsible for the safe use of the craft and the safety of anyone who rides it. Every person who operates your PWC must hold a valid PWC licence and carry it with them while riding. 

Know the rules and requirements for safe and responsible use in your area—especially speed limits and the required safe “distance off” from people in the water, other vessels, the shore, and marine life. 

You can help all PWC owners by observing the rules. Safe and responsible behaviour on the water reduces the likelihood of lawmakers introducing additional restrictions, fines, or bans on PWC use. 

PWC are designed for use during daylight hours. Know and follow the rules: no operating after sunset, before sunrise, or during times of reduced visibility. 

As the owner of a PWC you remain responsible for ensuring your PWC stays clear of swimming areas, exclusion zones, distance off and aquatic reserves. It also includes ensuring anyone riding your PWC knows and follows the rules.  

Maintain it 

Keep your PWC in good working order to ensure the steering, throttle, cut-off switch and—if fitted—the brake are all functioning as intended by the manufacturer. 

Any mechanical work on your PWC should be performed by a qualified marine mechanic. The same applies to any modifications, which must comply with the manufacturer’s instructions and the regulations in your State. 

Enjoy it 

PWC can provide wonderful experiences, from exploring waterways to offshore fishing. Wherever you ride, know the rules for that waterway and, most importantly, maintain a safe speed and a safe “distance off” from people in the water, other craft, marine life, structures and the shoreline. 

One of the best ways to support the PWC community is to avoid giving lawmakers reasons to impose additional laws, restrictions, fines or bans. Know your craft, know the waterway and know the rules. 

Plan your day by choosing riding locations that are well clear of swimmers, beachgoers and waterfront residents. 

PWC can accelerate rapidly, jump waves and perform tight manoeuvres. These activities require skill and an understanding of the laws that apply. Only perform such manoeuvres when and where it is safe to do so—well away from people, the shore, structures and other vessels. 

Note: The pictures used on this page are promotional images so please note registration specifics vary across the States. Check with your maritime regulator on the rules for displaying any required registration number on your pwc.  

EXPLORE

Light to tow, easy to launch and retrieve, and requiring minimal storage space at home, PWCs are particularly popular among people living in the inner-city, who crave to get out on the water after a long week in the office.

Many of the touring model PWCs feature ample onboard storage, so a couple of people can load up their PWC with camping gear and supplies and head away for a weekend on the water. This is a popular use of PWCs on large freshwater rivers and lakes, as well as some of the country’s larger estuary systems.

It’s a great way to enjoy the water, much like the freedom of hitting the open road on a motorcycle.

ULTIMATE POWER

The incredible acceleration of PWCs lend themselves perfectly for use as tow vessels for skiing and wakeboarding.

Such is the versatility of modern PWCs, the observer can sit facing aft to watch for the skier/boarder when they fall. Again, the storage of many PWCs allows rope, towels and refreshments to be stowed away.

PWCs are also in popular use for fishing on both enclosed and open waters, and the craft can be fitted with specialist fishing equipment for such a purpose. Any such riding however must observe laws such as keeping a safe distance from swimmers and other people in the water.

The power and manoeuvrability of PWCs also sees them in widespread use among surf lifesaving organisations and water police around Australia.

PWC SAFETY

While safety is paramount in all boating activities, there are additional regulations that apply to PWCs.

Most states and territories require riders to have a PWC licence (in addition to a recreational boat operator’s licence) and you’ll also need to be up to speed with PWC restriction areas and environmental concerns.

Developing operational skills that promote safety and courtesy are imperative. Learning to use the throttle and steering properly, practising high-speed stopping and steering manoeuvres, and scanning the horizon constantly for other boats are some basic starting points.

The key is to be aware of others while on the water, as accidents can happen – and when they do, they happen very fast.

Given all that, enjoying time of the water with a PWC can be an exhilarating experience and great way to hit the water quickly while accessing both unique and popular spots on our waterways.

PWC Videos

Waterways We Ride – inland waters


Waterways We Ride – open waters


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