Good news in the world of personal watercraft! the Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) is receiving some national recognition for its PWC renter orientation DVD, earning the Seal of Safe Boating Practices from the esteemed National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) for its recent Personal Watercraft Renter Orientation DVD & Checklist.
In an effort to better acclimate first-time boaters and renters of PWC, the PWIA developed a thorough and thoughtful DVD walking through the major highlights of safe and considerate boating, best practices and major safety do’s and dont’s. The video, designed to be played for renters at resorts and other major rental outfits is not only an instructional tutorial, but a bit of liability coverage for the PWC renter themselves.
To help spread the word, the PWIA has distributed over 300 copies of their tutorial DVD to locations in as many as 27 different states. In conjunction with their “Safe Rider” pledge, the PWIA has made greater efforts to ensure safe riding practices are taught across the nation more than any other organization in our industry. All of us at The Watercraft Journal applaud the PWIA for their recent award and are sure many more are to follow.
Here’s the original press release:
PWIA Receives NASBLA Seal of Safe Boating Practices Award
Award Presented For Association’s PWC Renter Orientation DVD & Checklist
WASHINGTON, DC– The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) announced today that it has been awarded the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ (NASBLA) Seal of Safe Boating Practices for its Personal Watercraft (PWC) Renter Orientation DVD & Checklist.
NASBLA’s seal certifies that PWIA’s boating safety videos and other educational materials meet the highest standards in quality, accuracy and effectiveness. All materials must meet the requirements and guidelines set forth by NASBLA to receive the recognition. Recipients of this award include the National Safe Boating Council, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and numerous boating safety programs developed by government and private entities.
“This recognition by NASBLA adds an additional level of credibility to our materials,” said David Dickerson, Executive Director of PWIA. “Now, liveries across the U.S. who use our free Renter Orientation DVD & Checklist, can be confident that our materials meet the high standards of NASBLA, a nationally-recognized, independent expert in safety education,
Today, PWIA has distributed more than 300 of the orientation DVDs and other safety training materials to liveries in 27 states as part of its mission to promote safety and enjoyable experiences on PWC.
Along with its rental education initiative, PWIA sponsors the “Safe Rider” pledge program to promote safe riding practices among PWC owners and riders. By signing the Safe Rider pledge, PWC riders agree to the take the following steps towards safety and fun on the water:
· Scan the water for hazards and other boats
· Avoid aggressive maneuvers
· Follow local boating laws, including rules to prevent the transfer of invasive species
· Examine your equipment
· React to conditions
· Insist on a safe distance from other boats, swimmers and fixed objects
· Drive sober
· Evaluate weather and waterways
· Respect the environment by avoiding fuel spills and operating close to marine life
The pledge form can be accessed at www.pwia.org, along with more information about the “Safe Rider” campaign. Information on instructional courses and downloadable safety materials, including a brief handbook titled Riding Rules for Personal Watercraft and PWC Orientation Checklist can also be found at www.pwia.org.
