It has been announced that the islandwide ban on the operation of private Personal Water Crafts or jet skis will be lifted today. However, the ban on the importation of jet skis will remain. A statement from the Tourism Ministry says licensed operators will be allowed to use their water crafts.
A ban was imposed in February to allow for the regularisation of commercial operations; and for steps to be taken by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica to register all jet-skis. The measures were applied in the wake of three accidents involving jet skis between August last year and January.In announcing the ban in Parliament Tourism Minister Dr. Wykeham McNeill indicated that the suspension would be lifted when measures and regulations are implemented and persons become compliant.
In the meantime, the Maritime Authority has registered 90 private and 29 commercial jet skis. A Task Force has been established as one of the measures to bring private water craft activity under stronger management and enforcement. It is being guided by the Maritime Authority and the Tourism Product Development Company with enforcement by the Marine Police.
Owners and operators of private and commercial launch sites will be required to inform the Authority of their location to facilitate monitoring of activities across the island. A launch site is an area on the foreshore where jet skis are permitted to leave and return. The Tourism Ministry says sites will not be established close to high risk areas such as places where persons swim.
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Ban on use of jet skis lifted however import ban remains in effect
