26 September 2023
Plans have taken a step forward for legislative changes designed to make Jersey's inshore territorial waters safer.
The results of a public consultation have been published, showing support among respondents for proposed amendments to the Shipping (Jersey) Law 2002 and the Harbours Inshore Safety Regulations 2012.
The consultation, which was open for six weeks in June and July, gave Islanders the chance to have their say on proposals which, if approved, would introduce new offences where a person has caused death or serious injury while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or through careless operation of a ship.
In addition, the proposals would broaden the definition of a 'vessel' to include smaller watercraft that are used solely for social activities on the water such as jet skis and smaller speedboats.
The Minister for Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said: "I'd like to thank all respondents for taking the time to provide their feedback on the proposed changes. I'm pleased that overall there is clear support for changes which will help keep Jersey's waters safe by ensuring that all seafarers are more aware of their responsibilities.
"The changes will also allow for a more substantial prosecution of someone whose careless behaviour, or consumption of alcohol or drugs while in charge of a vessel, has led to a death or serious injury. We can now take the legislative process forward and bring the proposals to the States Assembly."
The outline proposals were published in October 2022. The ambition is to lodge the draft amendments in the States Assembly by the end of the 2023.
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