Abu Dhabi in crackdown on illegal jet skis…fines up to Dh1,000

Abu Dhabi authorities have introduced tough rules for the use of jet skis in the water as part of a crackdown intended to end offences related to such machines following a series of accidents off the emirate’s beaches.

Companies renting jet skis have been told to register their equipment before the end of 2013 or they will face a fine of Dh1,000 for each rented jet ski while people who have their own jets skis have been given until the end of January to abide by the new rules.

The Department of Transport (DoT) said it had asked coast guard and vital offshore protection units to seize carry out patrols and seize those who defy the new regulations, which ban the use of jet skis in some areas, mainly close to strategic offshore sites.

Jet ski riders also must keep at least 500 feet away from beaches and must not use their machines before sunrise and after sunset.

Jet skis used by people under 14 years old without an instructor or an adult company will be fined Dh500 while those who disturb swimmers will also be punished.

“The new rules include 25 offences which jet ski riders and companies must avoid…..rent companies must have their jet skis registered before the end of 2013 or they face fines of Dh1,000 for each jet ski,” said Humaid Saber Al Hamili, acting director of the maritime transport at DoT.

“People having their own jet skis will be fined Dh500 if they violate the new rules…the penalty will be doubled if the offence is repeated and in some cases, the machine could be confiscated…jet ski owners have been told to have plates on their machines and those who do not abide by this will be seized by coast guard patrols.”

Quoted by the semi-official Arabic language daily Alittihad, Hamili said 37 jet ski rent firms operate in Abu Dhabi and they must have their machines tested at the DoT facilities before they are given registration permission.

He said companies have been warned not to lease jet skis to any person not eligible to ride such machines because of physical or psychological problems. “The companies have been told to ensure persons renting a jet ski must know how to ride it or to provide training to them and verify they know how to swim before leasing the machine.”