mark edge of channel on port or left side as you enter open sea or head upstream.

mark edge of channel on right side as you enter open sea or head upstream

upstream
In the direction that is against the current

mark left side when entering from open sea or heading upstream

mark right side when entering from open sea or heading upstream

use shapes, colors, and numbers as well as have a matching colored light

phrase used to remember which side of the boat the nuns should be on to head back towards land

chain of local channels linked to provide inland passage along Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Coasts

Identified by yellow symbols on channel buoys and markers-both navigational aids for USANS and ICW

Any marker displaying a yellow triangle should be passed by keeping it on the starboard (right) side of the boat.
Any marker displaying a yellow square should be passed by keeping it on the port (left) side of the boat.

This system of markers is used on the Mississippi River and its tributaries above Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and on some other rivers that flow toward the Gulf of Mexico. The major difference from the U.S. Aids to Navigation System lateral markers shown previously is that navigation markers on the Western Rivers System are not numbered. Numbers displayed below daymarks along this system are not associated with the right or left side of the channel; these numbers indicate the distance from the river's mouth.

However, on the Ohio River, the numbers below the marker indicate the distance from the headwaters. And on the upper Mississippi River, the mileage is measured from Cairo, Illinois, at the junction of the Ohio River.

also give directions, distances, and other non regulatory info

Danger Area Diamonds=warning signs such as rocks shoals, construction, dams, or stumps.

controlled area circles=indicate controlled area such as no wake, idle speed, speed limit, or ski zones

Exclusion Crossed Diamonds=off limits to all boats such as swimming areas, dams, and spillways

do not pass between these buoys and the nearest shore

Read and understand the owner's manual.
Take time to review the video most PWC manufacturers provide.

Inspect your PWC periodically, and perform necessary maintenance to keep it in good operating condition.
Be aware of all local, state, and federal laws that apply to PWCs.

Do not forget that in addition to obeying all boating laws, the PWC operator must adhere to laws specific to personal watercraft.

just cause you released throttle or shut off engine doesnt mean you immediately stop

Because a PWC is very maneuverable it is possible to get into trouble fast. Here are some important things to do when operating a PWC.

Do not ride too closely behind another PWC. If it turns sharply or if it stalls, you could collide with it; if the other rider falls off, you could run over him or her.

Always look behind you over both shoulders before making turns; another vessel may be too close behind you.

Be aware of all traffic in your boating area; don't focus just on the short distance ahead.

Always remember that operating a PWC has the same responsibilities as operating any other vessel.

PWC operators need to beware of passing too closely behind another vessel. The vessel will block your view of oncoming vessels, as well as the oncoming vessel's view of the PWC.

A PWC is very maneuverable and responsive to slight turns of the steering control. At high speeds, a quick turn can make the PWC unstable, causing the operator and passengers to fall off. This is why most states require that everyone on board a PWC wear a personal flotation device (life jacket).

PWC passengers should be able to hold onto the operator and keep both feet firmly on the footrests. Anyone too small to do this should not ride.

Any passenger on a PWC should be able to hold on securely to the person in front of them or to the handholds, while keeping both feet firmly on the footrests. Children who are too small to be able to do this should not ride.
A passenger on a PWC should never be seated in front of the operator.
Keep hands, feet, loose clothing, and hair away from the pump intake area. Before cleaning debris from the pump intake, be sure to shut off the engine

The jet of water exiting the steering nozzle at the rear of the PWC can cause severe internal injuries. Anyone riding on a PWC should wear a wetsuit or other clothing that provides similar protection. Also, keep everyone clear of the steering nozzle unless the PWC is shut off.
Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended capacity for your PWC.
Know your limits, and ride according to your abilities.

A lanyard connects the safety switch to the operator's wrist or PFD. When the lanyard is pulled from the switch, the engine shuts off.

If a PWC has an ignition safety switch, most states require the operator to attach the lanyard. However, even if attaching the lanyard is not required by law, many lives could be saved by doing so. If your powerboat or PWC does not have an ignition safety switch, you should have one installed.

Your PWC may have a self-circling feature. If the operator is thrown from the PWC, the engine idles while the PWC slowly circles so that the operator can reboard. Be sure the idle speed is set correctly.

lanyard
Short cord used for fastening something or securing rigging; on a PWC and most powerboats, it attaches the ignition safety switch to the operator's wrist or life jacket

To avoid jet stream injuries:

Connect the ignition safety switch lanyard to the operator’s wrist or PFD. If the operator ends up in the water, shutting off the engine stops the jet stream.

Wear a wetsuit or other protective clothing that will keep the jet stream from entering your body cavities.

This is recommended for both the operator and any passengers.

Passengers could fall off the PWC into the path of the jet stream before the operator can stop the engine.

Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding or disembarking. Propellers should not be spinning when a passenger is in a vulnerable situation.

Never ride on a seat back, gunwale, transom, or bow.

Make sure all passengers are seated properly before getting underway. Some operators cause injuries by putting the engine in gear while people are still swimming or diving from the boat.

Assign a responsible adult to watch any children in the boat and sound the alarm if a child falls overboard.

Slow down when approaching congested areas and anchorages. In congested areas, always be alert for swimmers and divers.

Learn to recognize warning buoys that mark swimming and other hazardous areas.

Keep the boat away from marked swimming and diving areas. Become familiar with the red flag with a white diagonal stripe and the blue-and-white “Alfa” flag—both signal that divers are down.

A PFD does more than keep you afloat to prevent you from drowning. It also can help a boater spot you more easily

Guards:Devices that provide some type of physical barrier around the propeller. These include deflection devices, full cages, ring guards, ringed props, and "Kort Nozzles."

Propulsion: Devices other than a propeller such as jet drives and pump jets.

Interlocks: Devices that automatically turn off the engine or sound an alarm. For example, a ladder interlock stops the engine or triggers an alarm when passengers use the ladder to enter or leave the water.

Sensors: Wireless sensors or other devices worn by boaters that shut off the boat's engine or trigger an alarm if the wearer falls overboard.

The boat continues to travel in a circle and returns to strike the victim in the water, inflicting massive propeller wounds—thus the term "circle of death."

The way to avoid this type of accident is to never let go of the steering wheel or handle until the boat has stopped moving. You should also use the automatic shut-off lanyard if your motor is equipped with one. Be sure that clamp-on swivel seats are tightly secured and seat backs are sturdy enough to withstand the shock of a victim being thrown against them. And finally, if you notice that it takes extra pressure to hold your boat's steering, have it professionally serviced immediately.