New laws have come into force that enables Police and other agencies to prosecute people for the dangerous misuse of watercraft, such as jet skis.
The Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order is now in force, as of 31st March 2023, and covers any type of craft which is capable of moving under its own mechanical power, is used, navigated or situated wholly or partly in or on the water, and is capable of being used by 1 or more persons.
Watercraft are not currently covered by wider maritime safety legislation but this new law means those found guilty of using their watercraft dangerously could receive an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years in prison. For those who cause accidents involving loss of life, the new offences could be used to better prosecute perpetrators alongside wider manslaughter charges.
Personal and recreational watercraft are now also bound by the ‘Highway Code of the sea’ – international regulations which require users to act safely by maintaining a lookout, driving at safe speeds and outlining their responsibilities to other vessels.
The new legislation puts a responsibility on the owner of the watercraft to ensure that they take all reasonable steps to ensure that the watercraft is operated in a safe manner. If you own a jet ski and you let others use it, you may be responsible for their actions.
In recent years problems have been reported in The Bay area with water-powered crafts constantly reported as getting too close to swimmers. Furthermore, in the West Wight, parish councils have had to explore installing buoys to determine jet skis from areas such as Colwell Bay.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Marine Unit says it will work alongside partner agencies including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Harbourmasters to educate, enforce and prosecute those operating powered watercraft and vessels in a reckless, dangerous or inappropriate manner.
A notice to mariners has been issued by King’s Harbour Master Portsmouth jointly with Cowes Habour Commission and ABP Southampton.
What a load of Rubbish.
There are many laws, but unless they are policed nothing gets done.
Speeding is rife on the Island.
Parking on Pavements is rife on the Island.
Drink and drugs driving is rife on the Island.
Persons driving whilst using a mobile phone is rife on the Island.
Nothing gets done about it.
AI robots will be the answer long term.
Spot on. 100%
Just more meaningless rhetoric.
They could not catch a cold yet alone a jet ski.
Why we keep paying more council tax I don’t know.
Money down the drain
There is always a Yellow Vauxhall Corsa HJ62ZPV
parked on the pavement outside the Council Houses along Great Preston Road
The Tenants at no. 90 think they own the Pavement?
so frustrating that 1 Household can bring a complete Road to a standstill.
Where is the District Steward of Ryde, does he not drive down
Great Preston Road to see how idiots park!
Pavements where I come from are for pedestrians not Idiots parking a vehicle
with no care or concern for other persons.
Some of the idiots won’t know or understand this new law. They are selfish and irresponsible. Though let’s hope I’m wrong!
Will there be any meaningful enforcement for these chavs of the sea? I doubt it.
If eople did not drive them to show off.. and observed others using the water, then there would be no problem. Bt just like many car drivers..no thought for others.. these types just want people to ‘ Oh look at my car/boat/jetski/ whatever.. and can you hear my modded exhaust and see my nice flashy lights, is it not great ? Sorry to burst your bubbles.. show cars are for showgrounds, show boats are for special events… NOT for normal use.. drive by the rules of the water/ road… making it safe for everyone.. don’t be a dick head !
And who is going to enforce it, how can they identify the jetskis as they have no clearly visible markings they would also easily outrun the police boats and as they only need trailer access to the water can be away in minutes.
It is utterly pointless to have laws you cannot and will not enforce.