Further Ban on Importation of Jet Skis

The Government has banned the importation of all jet skis for commercial or private use for a further six months, until October 15, 2014.

This was disclosed by Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, during a sitting of the House of Representatives on February 18.

Following two accidents involving jet skis on August 17 and 21, 2013, Cabinet had approved the implementation of a six-month ban on all commercially used jet skis, effective October 15, 2013.

Dr. McNeill explained that while the ban and other implemented measures have had limited success, there was subsequently another accident in which an American visitor was killed by a jet ski while swimming in Negril, on January 28, 2014.

“The impact of these accidents has been far reaching and has triggered negative public commentary, both locally and internationally, particularly from Jamaica’s largest source market in the United States of America,” Dr. McNeill said.

There are currently on record eight licensed jet ski operators – six in Ocho Rios (Urban Development Corporation beach) and two in Negril (not currently in operation). There are no licensed commercial jet ski operators in other locations.

Dr. McNeill said while there are deficiencies in commercial operations, the regulatory framework that governs private jet skis is also insufficient.

Among other measures implemented are the temporary suspension of the operations of all jet skis across the island.  Also, Cabinet has approved the lifting of the moratorium on licensing new commercial operators, in order to allow for the regularisation of the commercial operations.

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) is to take steps to register all jet skis in the island.  Upon registration, jet ski operators will be issued with registration certificates and decals (colour codes).

All jet skis will have to be licensed and possess decals, and all commercial operators will provide minimum training to persons accessing their services.

Other measures approved by Cabinet include the issuing of drafting instructions to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel for the amendment of the Tourist Board Act (1955) to allow fines to be increased from the present maximum of $20,000 to $500,000 for breaches of the Act.

Dr. McNeill also informed that the Tourist Board (Water Sports) Regulations (1985) are to be amended to give the Crown the power to dispose of water sport vessels seized and to prohibit a child under 17 years of age from operating commercial jet skis without an accompanying adult.

He noted that a Task Force will also be formed with support from the relevant Ministries and their agencies, to effect the changes being implemented.

“Given the urgency of the concerns at hand, and the impact on the tourism industry and livelihoods of many, the Ministry and Task Force will actively proceed with the implementation of critical measures needed to streamline both private and commercial (jet ski) operations across the island as quickly as possible,” Dr. McNeill said.

The Minister added that the Task Force will provide information on the requirements for licensing of all persons operating currently.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Customs, Jamaica Defence Force, Tourist Board, Maritime Authority of Jamaica, Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, National Environment and Planning Agency, Port Authority of Jamaica and the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) are members of the Task Force.