KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr Wykeham McNeill has announced new short-term measures to regulate Personal Water Craft (PWC) and Jet Ski operations across the island.

The new measures come in the wake of growing concerns about the number of accidents in Jamaica’s marine recreational areas, some of which have resulted in fatalities and serious injury.

The new regulations, which include a six-month suspension on the importation of all Jet Skis (Personal Water Crafts) for commercial purposes, a clampdown on illegal commercial operators of Jet Skis, and the strengthening and enforcement of regulations guiding the safe usage of Jet Skis, are intended to ensure that Jamaica’s waterways can be enjoyed by everyone without threat to their safety.

These concerns were underscored in a statement made in Parliament by Dr McNeill on Tuesday according to a news release from the Ministry.

“Solicitation, harassment and drug peddling by illegal PWC/Jet Ski operators are at uncontrollable levels and there is a high density of marine traffic in the marine recreational area of Negril’s seven mile beach and at the UDC beach in Ocho Rios,” McNeill said.

The Minister also expressed serious concerns about the environmental impact of these Personal Water Crafts, particularly regarding the oil discharge from these vessels and the levels of noise pollution associated with them.

“We recognise that on one side there is public outcry that has been advocating for a ban on the importation of Jet Skis, while on the other side, there is the reality that people’s economic livelihood as legitimate commercial Jet Ski operators has to be protected. We have therefore to look at the balance,” he said.

The Marine Police and the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard will conduct concentrated enforcement activities, to seize and detain the illegal vessels. The minister also said the Tourism Enhancement Fund will be used to strengthen the enforcement capacity of Marine Police Outposts in the North East Region by supplying spare parts to ensure they at least have one fully operational vessel.

McNeill said that “Three zones, which will be a minimum of 30 metres apart, will be introduced, namely: the swim zone, the non-motorised zone and the general operating zone for motorised craft, including PWC/Jet-Skis. The non-motorised zone would be an effective buffer or safe zone for swimmers.”

In addition, Jet Ski operators are to launch from designated locations and observe basic rules of transit including speed for entry and exit. Clients must also be provided with a comprehensive brief by the operators, including a demonstration ride before the client operates the Jet Ski independently.

All commercial jet skis must also have visible identifications and all operators will be required to display their licences, the minister said.