New rules for jet boat industry

Local jet boat tour operators Mark and Claire Wickham are endorsing compulsory jet boat driver licensing, which comes into effect early next month.

Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges announced earlier this week the introduction of new rules governing commercial jet boat operators that replace the existing requirement for drivers to have at least 50 hours experience before taking commercial passengers.

New jet boat drivers will now be required to pass a practical driving test before gaining a licence.

Current drivers, meanwhile, may apply for a licence under special transitional provisions, subject to a safe driving record and character references.

The rule also requires regular driver competency checks and log books.

While the "inherent risks of jet boating" are part of its appeal, Mr Bridges said these changes would give passengers and the public added assurance that the risks were being managed appropriately.

The New Zealand jet boating industry is made up of 42 operators carrying more than 370,000 passengers a year.

There have been two fatalities in the commercial jet boating sector since 1999.

Mrs Wickham said the legislation had been a number of years in the making, and was most likely the response to a number of historical safety incidences.

The Wickhams have been running Whanganui Scenic Experience Jet for 12 years.

Mr Wickham belongs to the New Zealand Commercial Jet Boat Association, which worked alongside Maritime New Zealand to develop the new rules.

Mrs Wickham said it was an important step towards regulating the adventure tourism industry.

- with APNZ