NSW PWC Licence Knowledge Test key terms

A powered vessel where the rider sits, stands or kneels on the hull rather than inside it, steered by a jet nozzle and handlebars, and driven by a water jet rather than a propeller.

A drive system that draws water in and forces it out through a steerable nozzle at the stern, producing thrust without an exposed propeller, and losing thrust the moment engine power stops.

A cord clipped to the rider and connected to the ignition, so that if the rider falls off the engine stops immediately, preventing the craft from running on unmanned.

A systematic inspection before launching covering fuel, battery, engine cut-off, hull plugs, steering, nozzle, fire extinguisher, lifejacket condition and weather, so faults are found before leaving shore.

A wearable flotation device sized to the wearer and worn fastened at all times while riding, providing buoyancy and keeping the head clear of water if the rider enters the water.

The displayed number and sticker issued for a registered vessel, showing it is recorded on the state register; it must be affixed as directed and kept legible while the craft is in use.

The administrative recording of a vessel against an owner so it can be identified and traced, generally required for powered craft before use, and renewed or transferred when ownership changes.

The endorsement or authority permitting a person to operate a personal watercraft, obtained by passing a knowledge test and demonstrating practical handling competence, and carried or produced on request.

The overriding obligation on every operator to act with care and take reasonable steps to avoid danger to people, property and the environment, regardless of whether a specific rule covers the situation.

The internationally consistent navigation rules that decide which vessel gives way, how to alter course and speed, and what lights or signals to show, applied to prevent collisions on the water.

The vessel required to keep clear of the other in a crossing or meeting situation; it must alter course or speed early and obviously so the other operator can see the intention.

The vessel entitled to hold its course and speed while the other keeps clear; it must still watch for risk and act if the give-way vessel does not respond in time.

A speed at which the operator can stop or turn within the distance they can see and react, adjusted for visibility, traffic, weather, depth and the presence of swimmers or other craft.

The requirement to slow to a speed of four knots or less when within a set distance of shore, moored vessels, swimmers or structures in restricted areas, so wash and wake are minimised.

A marked area where a vessel must travel only fast enough to maintain steerage, producing no breaking wash, to protect shorelines, berths, other craft and people in the water.

The waves and turbulence generated by a moving hull; large wash erodes banks, disturbs moored boats and swimmers, and is a common cause of complaints and damage near shore.

The minimum separation an operator must keep from swimmers, shorelines, moored boats, jetties and other structures, with the required distance increasing when the vessel is travelling at speed.

A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, used on the water for speed limits and rule thresholds, so operators must be able to judge their speed without a road-style speedometer reading.

A buoy or beacon marking the side of a navigable channel, coloured and shaped by region, which shows where safe water lies and which side a vessel should pass to stay in the channel.

A buoy or beacon using topmarks and colour bands to indicate the direction of safe water, telling the operator where the hazard lies and on which side to pass it.

A mark placed over a small, isolated hazard with navigable water all around it, warning operators to keep clear rather than to pass on a particular side.

A buoy or beacon marking an area or feature such as a swimming zone, pipeline, speed restriction or mooring area; it carries information rather than channel guidance and must not be used as a navigation aid.

The navigable route through or around shallows and hazards, normally marked by a series of buoys or beacons, where vessels should keep within the marked limits to avoid running aground.

The measured proportion of alcohol in the blood; a prescribed limit applies to anyone operating a vessel, and exceeding it is an offence regardless of whether the craft was moving at the time.

A rule that certain operators, such as learners, provisional holders or younger riders, must have no alcohol at all in their blood while operating a vessel.

Police powers to stop vessels and require operators to provide a breath sample without prior suspicion, used to detect drink-operating offences on the water.

Reduced alertness and slower reactions caused by long periods of riding, sun, wind, vibration and dehydration, managed by rest breaks, hydration and limiting time on the water.

Loss of body water through sweating, sun and wind, which impairs concentration and judgement; riders should carry water and drink regularly rather than waiting until thirsty.

The physical and mental condition needed to operate safely, including being free of alcohol, drugs, illness and exhaustion, and being able to concentrate for the whole trip.

A person entering the water from a vessel; the priority is to keep them in sight, approach carefully into wind or current, and cut the engine before bringing them alongside.

The drill after a rider falls off: the lanyard stops the engine, the rider stays with the craft, reboards from the stern and checks for other people before restarting.

Dangerous loss of body heat in cold water or wind, causing shivering, confusion and loss of coordination; treatment is gentle removal from the water, insulation and urgent medical help.

A distress call to emergency services or marine rescue via radio or phone, giving position, number of people aboard, nature of the problem and vessel description so help can be directed quickly.

A vessel running into the bottom or a submerged object; the operator should stop, check for injury and damage, and avoid reversing hard if water is being taken on.

The characteristic of jet-driven craft that steering and thrust disappear when the throttle is released, so the rider must apply power to turn and avoid obstacles, especially near shore.

Carrying a person behind a vessel on a rope; it requires an observer or approved mirror, a clear signal system, and careful attention to other traffic, swimmers and the fallen skier.

A second person aboard who watches the towed skier or boarder and reports falls and hand signals to the driver, so the driver can concentrate on navigation.

Conduct banned on the water such as riding recklessly, jumping the wake of another vessel at close range, spraying people, or riding in closed or restricted areas.

The duty to avoid damaging habitats, wildlife and water quality by keeping wash low, not disturbing birds or marine animals, avoiding seagrass, and taking all rubbish back to shore.

Considerate behaviour towards other water users, including keeping clear of anglers and swimmers, reducing noise near homes, sharing ramps and launching areas, and helping others in trouble.