We talked about it for a long time, and it is finally here. A new policy by the Minister of Transport, Integrity, Nature, and Elderly Affairs, about water sports permits. The policy was recently announced and added to the National Decree Public Waters and Beaches.
The policy is just three pages long, but it will be effective.
If you recall, we have had tragic accidents on the water, especially one where a young visitor to the island died of an unfortunate collision with propellor blades.
Immediately after the tragic accident, the minister in charge installed a committee to suggest changes, their recommendations then travelled through other related ministries. Finally, the policy is here, designed to improve safety and make it a bit harder for the watersport companies to “grow, expand, add, stretch, increase, magnify,” their number of watersports activities, the number of vessels and the areas in which the wish to operate.
The two most essential elements of the policy are the installation of propeller cages, a $300 stainless steel contraption, which can save lives in situations where Palm Beach watersport operators get into swim zones and launch from beaches.
Effective January 2025, propellor guards must be installed in all boats in the watersport business.
Another most-important safety measure is a second person. All boats involving pulling people in the air or in the water, behind a boat, must have a second person on board, in addition to the driver, watching the action on the water. All tuberides, bananaboats, parasailing speed boats must have a spotter, a co-pilot.
The policy reiterates liability insurance, which must be taken out by the license holder, and forbids tying up boats to shipwrecks, corals and/or buoys that mark swimming/buffer zones.
The new policy has teeth, the Department of Shipping Management can withdraw permits and add requirements in case of non-compliance on the part of the permit holder.
From now on, that department will have to get more involved, evaluating all petitions for expansion, or exchanges. Requests handed in prior to January 2024, will be honors but others restricted, or in the language of the policy: All applications for a new permit will be postponed until further notice in connection with the necessary research within the maritime sector. (ATVs/UTVs next?!)
We welcome the policy, we are ticking it off our list, alas the list is long, from drugs on the beach to litter and illegal vendors. Our beaches and waters are our #1 assets, and they need our support and vigilance.
