I read the article "Careless PWC use targeted" (Leader, January) with great interest.
The RMS latest safety initiative hopefully will be as successful as their previous "ride right" campaign. But I also believe they can do more.
From the Transport NSW 2012 report — personal watercraft incidents, compliance and feedback in NSW: "Comparatively high proportions of PWC incidents are caused by a lack of judgment, excessive speed or inexperience" and "PWC operators also commit relatively high numbers of licensing offences".
If the RMS is serious about reducing PWC incidents they should be reducing the PWC licensing fees and encouraging licence holders to seek additional practical training.
I agree that PWCs should have a separate licence. However, the hefty licence fees are, for many people, a deterrent to getting the additional licence.
As a result, these people are not learning the additional requirements for that craft, putting themselves and other waterways users at risk.
Personally, I hold a licence only because I use it for work — my last renewal, including providing my own photographs, cost close enough to $600 for five years — 2½ times the cost of a boat-only licence.
I am aware of many people who will not get a PWC licence because the frequency of riding doesn't justify the expense. They take the risk on the occasional ride that they either won't be caught or won't have an accident.
Most PWC riders who are licensed are responsible and ride accordingly. Many of those riders will seek out practical training of some sort, either from a mate who has more experience or from a professional training provider like Excite Safety Training.
The reason I co-founded Excite Safety Training with my partner Jayme is because both of us were approached on numerous occasions while conducting patrols on the Surf Rescue PWC by new PWC riders wanting to know where they could get some practical training.
We have built a business training dozens of riders to get more out of their craft without hurting themselves or other waterways users.
For anyone wanting to own and/or ride a PWC, I have this advice: get your licence, get some practical training, practise your skills and make sure that anyone using your PWC is licensed.
Lindsay Smith, general manager, Excite Safety Training, Kirrawee
