Ads for Registration of Jet Skis

Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, says that as of Sunday, March 2, advertisements will be placed in the two major newspapers, which will indicate where and when registration will begin for jet ski operators.

The ads will also specify the documents that the operators will need to take with them to facilitate registration.

The Minister, who was addressing journalists at the Jamaica House Press Briefing on February 26, informed that the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), which has the responsibility for the registration process, will be travelling to different areas to carry out the exercise.

Dr. McNeill further noted that the task force, which was formed to effect changes in the operation of jet skis, had mandated that all jet skis will be issued with a decal (label) to be placed on the machine and these have now arrived on the island.

The Minister pointed out that the process of registration will be ongoing. He also promised that an announcement will be made soon on when the ban will be lifted in certain areas that have complied with the rules and regulations.

Minister McNeill, on February 18, announced in the House of Representatives, that the Government has banned the importation of all jet skis for commercial or private use until October 15, 2014.

The move followed two accidents involving jet skis on August 17 and 21, last year. Cabinet had approved the implementation of a six-month ban on all commercially used jet skis, effective October 15, 2013 following the incidents.

Cabinet had also approved the lifting of the moratorium on licensing new commercial operators, in order to allow for the regularisation of the commercial operations.

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

The Minister had also announced the formation of the task force, which will provide information on the requirements for licensing of all persons operating currently.

Members of the task force include representatives from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Customs, Jamaica Defence Force, Jamaica 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).