ABU DHABI // New rules requiring jet skis to be registered have been welcomed as making the sea safer for all.
Owners now must now have their vehicles inspected and authorised by the Unified Marine Permit Centre in Mina.
The move is designed to protect more vulnerable water users such as swimmers and stand-up paddle boarders and to minimise the environmental effect of the jet skis.
It comes in the wake of a recent decision by Department of Transport to prohibit jet skis from large parts of the city's coastline.
"The registration of watercrafts highlights the department's commitment to enabling a larger segment of private water craft owners to practise their water activities in accordance with standards that ensure the highest levels of safety, security and protection of their owners, other water users and environmentally-sensitive areas in Abu Dhabi," said Humaid Saber Al Hameli, at the department's maritime sector.
"This registration process, as well as decisions issued by Abu Dhabi relating to licensing and registering watercrafts, aims to optimise the rapidly-growing status of the emirate as a key destination for water sport. I would like to call upon all watercraft users to abide by marine laws and rules for their safety and pleasure."
The department did not say how the new rules would be enforced, or what penalties those flouting the law would face.
Across Abu Dhabi there are many companies that allow individuals to rent jet skis for an hourly rate.
Most require individuals to leave their contact details and a form of identification while they are out on the water.
"I heard about the new rules and I think this is a good thing to happen," said Hassan Al Mazrouie, the manager of Pearl Jet Ski and Boat Rentals, who said he intended to register his vehicles.
"This is most important for private owners, because at present if they hurt someone while out on the jet ski there is no way to catch them - they have no licence plate and no registration.
"The new system will make it very easy to catch people who hurt people on the beach or in the water.
"For rental companies it is not so much of an issue because when someone rents from us we take their ID and details so, if they get into trouble, we know who they are."
The Emirates Kiteboarding Association (Eka) and Stand-Up Paddle Associations both welcomed the new rules.
"It was inevitable, the watersports world in the UAE and especially in Abu Dhabi is booming," said Tim Abdelrazek, acting chairman of Eka.
"I can only welcome it because, for us, jet skis are our main cause for concern on the water. Many of them don't consider the safety aspects, resulting in disastrous accidents due to their deliberate negligence."
