AMENDMENTS targeting gaps in Jersey’s maritime legislation – including legal “anomalies” relating to reckless or intoxicated jet-ski and speedboat drivers – have been lodged in a bid to make the Island’s waters “safer for everyone”.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel – who has political responsibility for air and sea transport policy – has brought forward two amendments, one referring to the Shipping (Jersey) Law 2002 and the other referring to the Harbours (Inshore Safety) (Jersey) Regulations 2012.
The changes, if adopted, will include expanding the definition of a “vessel” to include small watercraft used for leisure activities such as jet-skis and smaller speedboats.
New offences, including causing death or serious injury through careless operation of a ship or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, will also be introduced.
“The amendments are designed to make Jersey’s territorial waters safer for everyone,” Deputy Morel wrote in his accompanying report.
“The need for these updates is rooted in case law which in recent years has highlighted areas of deficiency in Jersey’s maritime legislation, but also have the general objective of making Jersey’s waters safer and more accessible for all Islanders and visitors. There is also a need to address legal anomalies which currently put some seafarers at a lesser level of legal responsibility to others.”
The changes would also give the police and harbourmaster the authority to require a breath test of a suspect during the course of an investigation into a serious injury or death.
Harbourmaster Captain Bill Sadler said: “These amendments received broad approval when they went out to consultation in 2023, and will make it clear to mariners what their legal responsibilities are while at sea.
“The changes will also make it easier for the harbour authority to work with government to ensure the safety of everyone who uses our waters.”