Policy on the use of Fast Power Craft
July 2006
See also Additional Code of
Conduct for persons using Fast Water Craft (including Jet Skis ,Air Boats,
Hovercraft, and Float Planes)
This document is issued by IWAI in
response to growing concerns about the use of fast power craft of all types.
In recent years, perhaps because of
the increasing affluence in our society, the number of fast powered craft of
all types has grown dramatically. This has lead on occasions to conflict
between different groups of users and concerns about the impact such vessels
are having on the environment.
Frequently the conflict arises
because users are unaware of the effect their behaviour is having on those
around them. This may be because they lack experience or training in the
safe operation of the craft or simply because no-one has ever explained to
them that their enjoyment of the waterway causes problems for others who
also wish to enjoy it.
In general, users of fast power
craft do not set out to deliberately harm the wildlife, damage habitats or
disturb other people’s enjoyment. They may not appreciate that their “high
spirited” behaviour causes problems for other people.
IWAI has published a “Code of
Conduct” for users of the inland waterways (see
http://www.iwai.ie/boating/conduct.shtml).
This code is presently being reviewed and revised and a new version will be
published later this year.
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Definitions
While there are a variety of formal
and legal definitions for “Fast Powered Craft”, IWAI policy relates to ALL
powered vessels capable of operating above displacement speed.
This therefore includes speed-boats,
ski-boats, jet-skis, RIBs, sports-cruisers, motor-cruisers, air-boats,
amphibious aircraft, hovercraft etc.
It should also be noted that many
open boats, lake-boats, fishing boats etc are capable of operating above
displacement speed and are therefore included under this policy.
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Philosophy
IWAI
advocates the following philosophy for all waterways users:
Enjoy
yourself on the water but always follow three simple rules:
Don’t compromise safety, yours or anyone else’s
Don’t compromise the amenity – the natural or built environment or the
facilities provided for you
Don’t compromise other people’s enjoyment of the amenity by your behaviour
or lack of consideration.
Be
tolerant of other waterways users.
You
may not enjoy or appreciate their sport but they have as much right to enjoy
the waterways as you do.
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Policy
Publicly owned waterways should be
accessible to all categories of users provided such use can be made
compatible with the above philosophy.
Where a usage conflict arises
(either between different users or between a type of use and the
conservation of the amenity) the first approach should be a process of
discussion and engagement between the parties involved so as to arrive at an
acceptable solution.
Possible solutions can include:
·
Agreement on times/seasons of operation for
certain types of craft
·
Agreement on zones for different types of
activities
·
Provision of appropriate, training and
education arranged for the relevant users.
·
Provision of signage and literature to
ensure that all users are aware of their responsibilities.
·
Access control at launching points.
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Legislation
In the Republic of Ireland, local
authorities and certain other bodies have powers under the Maritime Safety
Act 2005 to introduce bye-laws to regulate the use of fast power craft,
jet-skis etc.
IWAI believes that bye-laws
regulating the use of fast power-craft should only be introduced as a last
resort and even then only after a proper public consultation process. In
this context, consultation should involve more than simply taking
submissions from interested parties. It should involve active discussion
and dialogue, if necessary with the assistance of outside expertise with an
appreciation of the issues involved.
The arbitrary banning of one
category of fast craft (e.g. jet-skis/PWCs) while permitting the use of all
others with similar characteristics (speed-boats, air-boats, RIBs etc) is
clearly inequitable and is unlikely to achieve the desired outcome.
Where bye-laws are introduced, IWAI
believes it essential that they are monitored and enforced on a regular
basis.
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“No Wake Zones”
On some inland waterways, bye-laws
relating to speed limits are already in force.
IWAI urges all users to obey these
speed limits but recognises that many vessels are not fitted with
speedometers and that many such instruments are inaccurate and un-reliable.
In addition, because of the different characteristics of vessels, the speed
at which vessels generate significant wash varies greatly and what might be
acceptable speed in one vessel would be unacceptable in another.
IWAI therefore strongly advocates
the use of “No-Wake” zones and encourages the relevant authorities to adopt
“No-Wake” policies for speed management rather than numerical speed limits.
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Contact Details
Further information about this
policy can be obtained from:
Colin Becker
Project/Development Officer
2 Kylemore Park
Taylor’s Hill
Galway
Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)91 589333
Mobile: +353 (0)87 242 6249
For and on behalf of the IWAI
Brian Cassells
February 2006
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