The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Change in the law could treat jet-skis same way as ships
Jet-skiers could face up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine if they put others at risk following a consultation to clamp down on users.
It comes as the Department of Transport has proposed an end to a legal loophole that allows jet-skis to operate outwith maritime law, in a bid to protect the public and local wildlife from dangerous driving.
The new law would see jet-skis and other recreational vehicles such as speedboats legally treated in the same way as boats and ships, making users subject to national regulations.
Those who do not follow the rules could face up to two years in prison, along with an unlimited fine, if prosecuted under the proposed change to the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
Jet-skiers could face penalties for causing danger to ships, other watercraft or individuals using the water such a swimmers and canoeists.
The consultation is part of the UK Government’s commitment to watercraft safety outlined in the Maritime Safety Action Plan launched by ministers in 2019.
Currently, councils and harbour authorities can set bylaws that require registration of jet-skis, payment of fees, zoning areas and speed limits.
However, powers for local authorities are geographically limited, resulting in many areas of the coastline not being covered by any legislation.
Jet-skiers have caused a stir with locals in Tayside over the summer months with many being described as “dangerous and reckless”.
Jet-skiers have also caused upset among visitors and locals of Broughty Ferry, with calls for more action to be taken to ensure users follow rules within the harbour and stick to the zones and speed limits.
Dundee resident Joachim Neff has spent the last two years campaigning for action to be taken against dangerous jet-skiers.
He said he welcomes the proposed law and believes it will resolve the jet-skier issues at Broughty Ferry.
He said: “Given the many years local people – in and out of the water – have suffered the inconsiderate and sometimes reckless behaviour of some jet-ski users, this legislation is long overdue.
“It should also force authorities to take timely and effective action against rogue jet-ski users – unlike the sorry ‘giving advice’ that they have provided so far and which proved to be entirely ineffective.”
In Perth, there have been calls for zoning systems to be put in place for jet-skiers and even a petition to ban users along the River Tay, due to noise and disturbance to locals and wildlife.