MICHAEL OWEN, POLITICAL REPORTER

February 05, 2007 01:15am
Article from: The Advertiser

TWO jet skiers are under investigation and could be the first to face charges under new anti-hoon laws that have penalties of up to two years in jail and $2500 fines.
The Transport Department confirmed that two incidents involving the "careless or dangerous operation of personal watercraft" were being investigated.

Careless operation of a boat or jet ski has, since July 30 last year, carried a maximum penalty of 12 months' jail, or a $2500 fine and two years' jail for dangerous operation of a boat or jet ski.

The Transport Department's head of safety regulation, Brian Hemming, said he wanted to see the courts send a message to reckless operators.

"Those people (under investigation) could be charged under the new legislation," Mr Hemming said.

"Where there is serious injury or fatalities and it is directly attributable to irresponsible behaviour by a vessel, then yes, I'd like to see the penalties administered in their fullness."

His comments came as he released to The Advertiser results of Operation Riversafe, which targeted irresponsible boat and jet ski operators from December 26 to 31 last year.

Eight officers checked 361 vessels during the operation, issuing 156 cautions, sending 60 vessels ashore and breathtesting 205 operators.

Nine people will face court after being reported for a range of behavioural and safety offences, while 23 were fined between $55 and $160 for such offences as operating unlicensed, unregistered, at night without navigation lights and travelling on the wrong side of the river.

The trouble spots included Goolwa, Murray Bridge and Walker Flat.

Mr Hemming said it was the first time such a concentrated operation had been conducted.

Of the 54,000 vessels registered in SA, about 2500 are jet skis, Mr Hemming said. "Generally, people using jet skis are well behaved and understand their craft. It is just when you do get someone operating outside the law or having no regard for other people in that environment, their behaviour is noticeable," he said.

There was particular concern about the use of jet skis at night, with reports of some operating at up to 100km/h in darkness on the River Murray on New Year's Eve.