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A personal watercraft ('''PWC''') is a Recreational Watercraft that the rider sits or stands on, rather than inside of, as in a Boat . Models have an Inboard Engine driving a Pump Jet . They are often referred by the names '''Jet Ski''' or '''Sea-Doo''', which are brand names owned by Kawasaki and Bombardier , respectively. Most are designed for two or three People , though four-passenger models exist. Stand-up PWCs are also popular for single riders. The invention of both major types of PWC is usually credited to Clayton Jacobsen II of Arizona , originally a motocross enthusiast. Some Surfer s use PWCs to get to the waves and get up to speed with them; this is known as Tow-in Surfing . They can also be used for towing Water Skiiers on flat water. NON-RECREATIONAL USES Although most PWCs are purchased by individuals for recreational use, they are also used for more serious purposes. PWCs are small, easily handled, fairly easy to use, affordable and their propulsion systems, which do not have external propellers, are safer for swimmers and wildlife. For these reasons, they are sometimes used in preference to small Motorboat s. Lifeguard s in some areas use PWCs equipped with rescue platforms to rescue water users who get into difficulties and carry them back to shore. Rescuers have also used personal watercraft to pick up flood survivors. PWCs have been used by biologists studying marine life. PWCs are also used for law enforcement. Due to their high speed and excellent maneuverability, police and rangers use them to enforce laws on lakes and rivers. A PWC has recently been used for coaching rowing on the River Tyne. When combined with a wash-reduction system, it is an excellent vehicle for assistant coaches, especially when the BOSE waterproof tannoy is also installed. The latest integrated GPS systems allow for accurate assesments of time and speed of the crews coached. See Phantom . EMISSIONS ( 160kW ) Engines , reach speeds of up to 70 Miles Per Hour (113 Kilometers Per Hour ), carry 25 U.S. Gallons (95 Liters ) of Fuel , and feature amentities such as Sun Pads and extra padded cruising seats.]] Before 1990, personal watercraft emissions were unregulated in the United States . Many were powered by Two-stroke Cycle engines, which are smaller and lighter than Four-stroke Cycle engines but much more polluting. Simple two-stroke engines are lubricated on a "total loss" method, mixing lubricating oil with their fuel; they are estimated to exhaust in excess of 25 percent of their fuel and oil unburned in addition to the products of incomplete and complete combustion. The 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act allowed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to begin regulating personal watercraft and other off-road Internal Combustion Engine s. The agency began a dialogue with manufacturers in 1991 , resulting in regulations that were enacted in 1996 . These regulations, set to phase in between 1998 and 2006 , are averaging standards, allowing manufacturers to offset more polluting engines in their range by selling other engines that exceed the standard. The U.S. State of California has adopted more stringent regulations than the federal standard. LRV, can be easily loaded onto a Trailer and transported from one body of water to another.]] To meet these regulations, manufacturers have adopted a variety of improvements, including increased use of four-stroke engines, the use of direct injection for two-strokes and the use of Catalytic Converter s and other pollution-curbing measures that overall have reduced emissions by approximately 75 percent compared to pre-regulation models. In some areas, only new personal watercraft that meet the current regulations are permitted; an example is Lake Tahoe . Environmental groups such as the Surfrider Foundation and the Bluewater Network claim that more rapid progress could be made and the large numbers of older watercraft in use continue to emit substantial pollution. Against this, industry groups such as the Personal Watercraft Industry Association point out that environmental groups continue to cite pollution levels of pre-regulation watercraft and ignore the improvements made to newer models; and furthermore, that personal watercraft are unfairly singled out when they are no more polluting than other powered boats. LIST OF POPULAR BRANDS
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