Serious accident to hirer of a personal water craft (PWC) originating from The Jersey Sea Sports Centre.

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A decision made (26/09/2006) regarding:Serious accident to hirer of a personal water craft (PWC) originating from The Jersey Sea Sports Centre.

Subject:	Serious accident to hirer of a personal water craft (PWC) originating from The Jersey Sea Sports Centre
Decision Reference:	MD-E-2006-0155		Exempt clause(s):	n/a
Type of Report: (oral or written)	oral		Person Giving Report (if oral):	Captain P Lawrence, Assistant Harbourmaster
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	Meeting		Report File ref:	Accident File
Written report – Title	n/a
Written report – Author (name and job title)	n/a
Decision(s): That the conditions applied to the issue of a licence granted to The Jersey Sea Sports Centre at La Haule under the Boats and Surf-Riding (Control)(Jersey) Regulations 1969 (as amended) are varied in accordance with Regulation 16 to include the attached conditions.
Reason(s) for decision: On 6th September 2006 a 14 year old boy sustained serious injuries after falling off a PWC in St Aubin’s Bay, the PWC having been hired to him by the above mentioned Sports Centre. Following the accident the Centre’s licence was suspended pending investigations. On 7th September 2006, initial investigations showed that the Sports Centre had been operating within the conditions of their licence. As an interim measure to allow the Centre to continue to operate, their licence was reinstated subject to not allowing persons under the age of 16 to hire a PWC. Subsequently, a meeting was held on 14th September 2006 with the operators of the Centre in line with the requirements of Regulation 16(2) of the above mentioned Regulations and agreement was reached that the conditions as specified on the attachment were to be added to the Centre’s licence to operate for the time being and subject to review.
Resource implications: Financial: N/A Manpower: N/A Property: N/A ICT: N/A Law Drafting: N/A
Action required: That these extra conditions be added to the Jersey Sea Sports Centre’s licence to operate, at least in respect of those conditions that are agreed.
Signature: Deputy Alan J Maclean Assistant Minister for Economic Development		Date of Decision: 26 September 2006

Serious accident to hirer of a personal water craft (PWC) originating from The Jersey Sea Sports Centre.

Jersey Harbours

Maritime House, La Route du Port Elizabeth,
St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1HB

Tel: +44 (0)1534 885588
Fax: +44 (0)1534 885599

Email: jerseyharbours@jersey-harbours.com

Website: www.jersey-harbours.com

Our Ref: PL

14th September 2006

To Jersey Sea Sports Centre

In accordance with Regulations 15, 16 and 17 of the Boats and Surf-Riding (Control) (Jersey) Regulations1969, the States of Jersey Minister for Economic Development varies the conditions of the licence granted to Jersey Sea Sports Centre to operate Personal Water Craft (Jet Skis) to include the following conditions with; immediate effect:

Conditions of Hire of a Personal Water Craft (PWC)(Jet Ski)

1. PWC should not be hired for towing activities.

2. PWC should be clearly identifiable from each other by colour or number.

3. All PWC to be registered with Jersey Harbours’ Registration Department.

4. That a person under the age of 12 is accompanied on the PWC with an adult and that at no time should a child under the age of 8 be allowed on a PWC.

5. The operator should maintain a list of names and addresses of all hirers.

6. That the minimum age of hire of a PWC be 12 years old.

7. That when a person under the age of 16 hires a PWC, there is in attendance in the immediate vicinity of the area of PWC operation, a Guard Boat manned by an adult suitably qualified to look after the safety of all those operating the PWCs.

8. Ensure that at anytime they do not impose on water occupied by another craft or person in the water, attempt to dislodge a passenger, or act in an irresponsible manner, ie crossing the wake of another craft at close quarters.

9. Ensure that they do not endanger or impede the navigation of other vessels, merchant or otherwise, including ferries and high speed craft, including manoeuvring at close quarters in order to feel the effect of the wash.

10. Remain on the buoyed circuit.

11. Obey all speed limits.

Deputy Alan J Maclean

Assistant Minister for Economic Development