A ZERO tolerance policy has been adopted in Poole Harbour over jet skiers who “flaunt the rules” after a significant increase in incidents.
Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) says there has been a marked increase in the number of complaints and incident reports regarding the behaviour of Personal Watercraft (PW) operators in the harbour.
The authority is now adopting a zero tolerance approach to PW users who do not adhere to the regulations governing the use of such vessels, the likely outcome of which will be prosecution.
Captain Brian Murphy, harbour master for Poole Harbour, said: “The rules are in place to protect lives. The growing number of PW operators that flaunt the rules will be dealt with in line with the zero tolerance approach and our Enforcement and Prosecution policy.
“Before travelling to Poole Harbour to launch your PW, make sure you understand the rules and have your permit ready for inspection when stopped by one of our patrol officers.”
PHC’s patrol officers wear body cameras and recorded CCTV is in operation around the harbour.
Serious breaches of the rules may lead to prosecution under byelaws for which the maximum fine is £1,000, plus costs.
A designated PW area to the north of Brownsea Island lies within an area marked by yellow buoys. Jet skiers engaged in this activity are exempt from the speed limit while in this area, other vessels are not. PW’s outside of the designated area must adhere to the speed limit in force.
The speed limit within the harbour is 10 knots, and within the Little Channel and Holes Bay it is six knots. There is a speed limit of five knots within 200 meters of Poole and Studland beaches.
In August last year, enquiries were made relating to an apparent byelaw infringement after a man and his 11-year-old son were “nearly killed” by a boat driver speeding in an area designated for diving along Studland training bank.
Information about permit application and all regulations for operating a PW in Poole Harbour can be found at www.phc.co.uk and on slipway signage.
Harbour users can report inappropriate behaviour by calling Harbour Control on 01202 440230 or filling in an incident report online.
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