Most large superyachts carry personal watercraft (jet skis) for the use of guests, however in many countries, the rider is required by law to hold an appropriate licence.
Many countries have engaged a strict policy of regulation for small craft, particularly tenders and jet skis launched from yachts. The French authorities are leading this and their scrutiny intensified after a fatal accident in 2014, when a father and son collided with a stone wall in the south of France. As a result, the authorities are making regular checks of licences and general compliance with the rules, as well as enforcing speed limits. The onus is on yacht captains to ensure the craft from their yacht are not being used recklessly or infringing on any regulations. The maximum penalty that a captain could face is a fine of €30,000, six months in jail and a ban from French territories for one year.
France is not alone in stepping up the rules, and many countries are following suit as a reaction to the countless accidents worldwide, many of which could have been avoided had some basic training been provided before riders took to the water.
To become ‘legal’ and licensed, one option is to take part in a RYA Personal Watercraft Course (PWC) at one of the many training centres around the world. It’s a great course which takes a full day to complete, during which various skills are learnt that are beneficial for beginners and the more experienced alike. The course syllabus includes pre-departure checks, basic handling, man overboard, rescue techniques, towing, high speed handling and much more. Additionally, students learn basic theory including charts, buoyage, safety and weather. The course includes the planning and execution of a short passage plan.
The one-day course is well suited to jet ski and yacht owners and anyone who intends to ride regularly, including yacht crew. It’s a good ticket to have on your CV!
The requirement for licences has become an issue for both private and charter yachts. Although guests are keen to use the equipment, they often don’t want to spend a whole day of their precious holiday time to get a licence, which is understandable.
The RYA provides a solution for this, in facilitating superyachts to become Recognised Training Centres (RTCs) in their own right. This has mainly been adopted by large charter boats, who are seeking a way to enable guests to take to the water legally, but without requiring a visit to a land based training centre, spending a whole day gaining a licence. The proof of success is in the numbers, as there are now around 450 yachts which have gained the status of RTCs.
Once a yacht has been accredited as an RTC, they are able to provide a condensed course for the guests which take a minimum of one hour. The PW Safety Course teaches the basics and allows guests to be issued with a valid, albeit temporary, licence which is valid for six months for owners and regular guests and 12 months for crew, all others are for the ‘duration of charter’. The content includes; introduction to PW layout and controls, propulsion and steering system, personal safety equipment, essential safety information, collision avoidance, practical control – low and high speed, re-boarding in deep water, local hazards and regulations and communication with the safety boat.
To apply to become a superyacht RTC, there must be at least one RYA Personal Watercraft Instructor on-board, this must be maintained to keep RTC status. If you would like further information about becoming an RTC, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to help.
For crew looking to become a Personal Watercraft Instructor (PWI), which has become a sought after ticket in the yachting world, there are two routes to do this; you can either first become a Powerboat Instructor, which may also hold value in terms of in house training on board, and then take part in a one day conversion course to gain the PW Instructor ticket. Alternatively, you can take part in the three-day PWI course. Before attending the course, you must hold the RYA PWC ticket and be an experienced rider.
Every summer, there is a heavy demand for qualified PW instructors to join superyachts and holding this certificate will ensure your CV reaches the top of the pile.
Nathan Skinner
Facebook.com/NathanSailing
