RedactedNarrative: Vessel 1 was traveling northbound in the channel east of Brittany Dr. S in Pinellas County on a 1 1ft PWC bearing FL 6553 RG. Operator 1 advised this was his first time operating a PWC and was having difficulty steering as he was approaching the bridge stanchions. He remembered the gentleman that rented him the PWC advised him he needed to accelerate in order to turn the vessel. 
  
  He accelerated to approximately 15-20 mph, however was still unable to avoid collision with the bridge stanchion due to the strong tidal current. Vessel 1 struck the southeast side of the bridge with its starboard bow ejecting the operator into the water. 
  
  The operator was wearing a life jacket and kill cord and sustained minor scratches to his arms and legs and refused medical treatment. There was no damage observed to the bridge. The operator was not cited.
  