NSW PWC Licence Knowledge Test flashcards
NSW PWC Licence Knowledge Test · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Minimum PWC licence age
- In NSW a person must be at least 16 years old to obtain a PWC licence; younger riders cannot be licensed and must not operate a PWC.
- PWC licence separate from boat licence
- A general boat licence does not authorise riding a PWC in NSW; a separate PWC licence endorsement, involving knowledge and practical assessment, is required.
- Lifejacket requirement on PWC
- Every person on board a PWC must wear a serviceable, correctly sized lifejacket at all times while the craft is under way, not merely carry one.
- Engine cut-off lanyard check
- Before starting, attach the lanyard to the rider so the engine stops if the rider falls; test the switch and confirm the engine cuts out when the lanyard is pulled.
- Jet intake blockage check
- Inspect the jet intake and impeller for rope, weed or debris before launch; a blockage causes loss of thrust, vibration and engine overheating.
- Head-on meeting rule
- When two power-driven vessels meet head-on, both alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port, keeping a safe distance apart.
- Crossing situation rule
- A power-driven vessel with another vessel on its starboard side must give way; the stand-on vessel keeps course and speed and only acts if collision is imminent.
- Overtaking vessel duty
- The vessel overtaking another must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken until past and clear, regardless of the type of craft involved.
- Default speed limit NSW
- On NSW waters the default speed limit is 10 knots unless signs or notices specify a different limit for that area.
- 30-metre rule
- Within 30 metres of a moored vessel, wharf, jetty, shore or swimmer, a PWC must slow to 4 knots or less and minimise wash.
- No-wash zone meaning
- In a no-wash zone a vessel must proceed at a speed that creates no wash, typically about 4 knots or less, to protect banks and other users.
- Divers' flag distance
- A vessel must keep at least 60 metres clear of a displayed divers' flag and slow down when divers may be in the water nearby.
- IALA Region A port marks
- In Australia, red port-hand marks are passed on the vessel's port side when heading upstream or into harbour, marking the edge of the channel.
- Cardinal marks purpose
- Cardinal marks indicate the safe side of a hazard by compass direction; their topmarks and light patterns tell the operator where safe water lies.
- Special marks colour
- Yellow special marks indicate a special area such as a swimming zone, pipeline or speed restriction; they are not channel markers and do not mark navigable water.
- Blood alcohol limit PWC
- The prescribed concentration of alcohol for a PWC operator is 0.05 g per 100 mL of blood for a full licence holder; novice and restricted holders must be zero.
- Fatigue and riding
- Fatigue slows reaction time and judgement and reduces balance; riders should not operate a PWC when tired or after long periods without rest.
- Prescription medication warning
- Medicines that cause drowsiness or impair coordination can make PWC operation unsafe and may breach drug-driving rules; check labels before riding.
- Marine emergency call
- In an emergency on NSW waters, call 000 or use marine VHF channel 16 to reach police, ambulance or marine rescue services.
- Reporting a marine incident
- A collision, injury, death or serious damage involving a PWC must be reported to police or marine authorities as soon as practicable after the incident.
- Person overboard response
- Stop the engine, keep the person in sight and approach from downwind or downcurrent so the craft does not run over them in the water.
- Seagrass protection
- Riders must not ride over or anchor in seagrass, mangroves or coral; these habitats are protected and damage can attract penalties.
- Wildlife distance rule
- Do not chase, feed or approach marine mammals, turtles or birds; keep well clear and let them move away without disturbance.
- Fuel spill prevention
- Refuel carefully to avoid spills, use absorbent pads and report any oil or fuel spill to the relevant authority promptly.
- Steering with throttle
- A PWC steers only when jet thrust is applied; releasing the throttle reduces steering control, so apply power to turn and avoid obstacles.
- Towing spotter requirement
- When towing a skier or wakeboarder, a spotter aged 16 or over must watch the towed person; a rear-vision mirror is not a substitute.
- Prohibited surf beach zone
- A PWC must not operate within 200 metres of a surf beach or between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach.
- Overloading a PWC
- A PWC must not carry more persons or weight than the manufacturer's rating plate allows; overloading reduces stability and handling.
- Riding near moored vessels
- Within 30 metres of a moored or anchored vessel, a PWC must slow to 4 knots or less and avoid creating wash that rocks other craft.
- Night operation requirements
- Riding a PWC at night requires the craft to display the required navigation lights and the rider to hold the appropriate qualifications.
- Wake jumping hazard
- Jumping the wake of another vessel at close range is dangerous and may be treated as reckless operation, attracting penalties and endangering others.
- Refuelling a PWC
- Stop the engine and extinguish ignition sources before refuelling; do not operate the craft while refuelling and clean up any spills.