Operator Position
The RWC Operator should be standing in the ideal Operator position, while maintaining a clear line of sight for better vision and control.
The Operator will:
- Apply the principles of risk versus gain throughout operations.
- The ideal Operator position is standing with the legs slightly bent at the knee to absorb any impact. Body weight should be positioned to ensure stability, and trim of the RWC.
- Poor positioning can compromise safety and effect the handling of the RWC, reducing the RWC’s stability and turning capability. The correct positioning and timely movement of the RWC Crewperson will greatly enhance the RWC’s capability.
Basic Manoeuvres
Prior to operating an RWC in surf conditions, all Operators must be able to perform the following basic skills in a suitable still water environment:
- Launching the RWC and returning to shore.
- Basic manoeuvres such as port (left) and starboard (right) turns, coming alongside an object and picking up an object (e.g. tennis ball).
Turning and manoeuvring
From the standing Operator position, maintain the throttle position (power), then turn the handlebars in the intended direction of turn whilst transferring your weight towards the direction of the turn by adjusting feet position (e.g. left turn = left foot forward). A large radius turn can be safely completed at both low and high speeds where practicable.
Tight turns
When initiating a tight turn, caution must be given to the entry speed. Initiate a tight turn with mid to low speed, maintaining power and turning the handlebars in the direction of the turn. Once the turn has commenced, apply more power to drive through the turn. A tight turn can be tightened further by applying more power throughout the turn whilst leaning further into it and adjusting your feet positioning.
Figure O’s and Figure 8’s
The key element for effective Figure O or Figure 8 turns is transferring weight from one side of the ski to the other.
Reduce the speed prior to turning the handlebars, then turn the handlebars and shift your weight towards the direction of the turn, applying sufficient throttle to complete the turn. Thrust is required to steer the RWC. To turn sharply, apply more thrust.
If the Operator needs to stop suddenly, a sharp turn can be used by accelerating into the turn and releasing the throttle abruptly. This will cause the RWC to continue to move sideways slowing the craft over a much shorter distance.
Brake and Evade
The brake and evade procedure is used in the event that the craft is required to come to a complete stop. The RWC brake should be applied and the RWC brought to a complete stop as required, and if required repositioned to evade an object or hazard.
Braking
Most modern RWCs are fitted with a reverse (ride lever depending on RWC type) that can double as a break function to assist with slowing the RWC.
The use of the brake and effective utilisation of reverse can greatly assist with the slowing of the RWC, with the stopping distance being reduced by up to 30% if used effectively.
All Operators should be aware of their particular RWC model reverse/braking system and should practice both normal braking and emergency braking and evade regularly.
Brake Operation
The seadoo incorporates a reverse/brake lever (Intelligent brake and reverse or iBR) and when activated at speeds above 14kph will act as a brake with the reverse bucket being lowered to create drag. The bucket position being relative to the amount the lever is pulled. On activation of the lever at speeds above 14kph, the engine speed will reduce to idle with the throttle control being overridden by the function of the craft iBR system.
It is important to note that if the throttle remains depressed that engine power will return once the craft slows to 14kph and the craft will provide additional reverse thrust.
Other craft may utilise the reverse bucket as a brake while still applying limited engine power providing additional reverse thrust by releasing the throttle and depressing the craft reverse lever. With these craft the reverse lever also incorporates a throttle.
How to Brake and Evade
When utilising the brake, the brake lever should be applied as required and the throttle released
At the same time the Operator should brace themselves against the deceleration force to prevent being pushed forward on the craft or loss of balance. Both hands should remain on the handlebars with both feet firmly planted in the footwells of the craft. When operating with a crewperson or patient the ‘Brace, Brace’ command should be given.
The stopping distance will vary depending on:
- Initial speed.
- Amount of brake applied.
- Craft load.
- Crewperson/patients.
- Wind.
- Water conditions including any current.
Operators should be conscious of that when the brake is applied there is no power available to steer the craft. To make a change in a forward direction to avoid an obstacle, the brake lever will need to be released, and throttle applied along with the corresponding steering input and change in Operator body position to change direction of the craft.
If a change in forward direction is not required the Operator can continue to hold the brake reverse lever depressed until reverse thrust become available/effective to change direction utilising reverse.
Additionally when applying the brake Operators should be aware of:
- Other craft following, and;
- That as the craft comes to a stop the wake created by the craft as part of the braking process will tend to catch up and push the craft forward.
Reversing the RWC
When reversing the RWC always keep in mind the direction of the handlebars. When reversing, a right-hand down will spin the RWC clockwise, whilst a left hand down will induce an anticlockwise spin.
When reversing it is important to ensure the rescue sled doesn’t become fully submerged and fold under the stern of the craft.