Reckless UK jet skiers to face prison and unlimited


fines thanks to law change New legislation is being introduced to crack down on the dangerous misuse of watercraft such as jet skis, with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) being granted more powers to prosecute perpetrators of accidents.


The new law comes into force on 31 March 2023 in time for the busy summer period and will enable watercraft users to be prosecuted and bound by the same laws that apply to ships in order to help to prevent accidents. This follows a boom in the watercraft industry during the pandemic with the number, size, power and availability of watercraft like jet skis increasing, and their use in UK waters rising significantly.


Photograph for illustrative purposes only This move by the government will help ensure the UK continues to have some of the safest waters in the world.


Maritime Minister, Baroness Vere said:” The watercraft industry is thriving and it’s great to see more and more people enjoying leisure activities. However, they must do so safely.


“That’s why we’re introducing a new law to crack down on any dangerous misuse of watercraft like jet skis. It will give the Maritime and Coastguard Agency greater power to prosecute those responsible for causing accidents or entirely avoidable tragedies.


“We’ll continue working to ensure our country’s coasts and waters are safe for everyone.”


Watercraft are not currently covered by wider maritime safety legislation. The new law will mean those found guilty of using their watercraft in a dangerous manner could receive an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years in prison.


For those who cause accidents involving loss of life, the new offences could be used to better prosecute perpetrators alongside wider manslaughter charges.


Personal and recreational watercraft will also be bound by the ‘Highway Code of the sea’ – international regulations which require users to act safely by maintaining a lookout, driving at safe speeds and outlining their responsibilities to other vessels.


Nilya sailing superyacht leaves the Royal Huisman


construction shed The 46.8m Royal Huisman sailing yacht Nilaya has been photographed for the first time as she emerged from the construction shed at the Dutch shipyard’s Vollenhove facility. Nilya is now headed for Amsterdam where her masts will be stepped.


Photo credit: Royal Huisman


Nilya is said to be the first to utilise Royal Huisman’s new Featherlight design and


production method that the firm says is “not a single process or construction technique but a holistic lightweight approach combining various weight-saving solutions… rooted in spacecraft technology.” A spokesperson for the yard claimed that Nilaya is the world’s lightest aluminium sailing superyacht for her length. Royal Huisman says it has reduced weight on the high-performance cruiser without sacrificing stiffness or cutting corners on quality.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28