New regulation for new jetski owners

NEW REGULATION: Bay jetski owners will have to register their skis if changes to a bylaw go through.

Jetski owners will have to register their ski if proposed changes to the Navigation Safety Bylaw go through.

The bylaw, which is revised every five years, is now out for consultation.

The 2017 review is introducing compulsory registration of jetskis. This will bring Hawke's Bay into line with other regions and make jetskis easier to identify, Harbourmaster Martin Moore said.

"I've had good feedback from the jetski sports club here in Hawke's Bay and registration is likely to be a simple online system with a one-off registration fee, as used in other regions in the North Island.

"Once registered here, you will be registered for Taupo and other areas," Captain Moore said.

The bylaw covers boating safety, lifejacket rules, navigation infrastructure, and activity zones (such as boat ramps and swimming zones) within the Hawke's Bay region which includes the coastal areas within the 12 nautical mile limit.

"I have already contacted a wide variety of organisations, both sporting and commercial, who use our rivers and coastal areas, with a copy of the reviewed bylaw so they know about changes in the bylaw and have a chance to discuss and make submissions."

In the last bylaw review in 2012, new provisions tightened up rules about wearing lifejackets.

This safety initiative was reinforced by a successful lifejacket campaign in Hawke's Bay schools and safe boating campaigns.

Other changes include a more clearly defined boating and swimming area at Porangahau Beach Road to improve safety, plus rule changes for the Napier Inner Harbour that will affect commercial users and berth owners.

Other bylaw updates have been made to match changes in Government legislation and ensure the Hawke's Bay bylaws are consistent with national boating safety regulations for recreation and commercial activities on the water.

The revised bylaw is available on the Regional Council's website www.hbrc.govt.nz, search #harbourmaster.

Public consultation closes on March 2017.