Jet skis disturbing seals in a quiet Cornish cove. Image: Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust

A jet skier who forced an Isle of Wight ferry to take evasive action after steering across its path has become the first to be cautioned by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) under a new water safety law.

The offence was committed by a man in his 20s from Southampton at the entrance to Cowes Harbour on 4 August 2023 after he circled directly across the ferry’s path, within metres of its bow.

His actions prompted the ferry’s master to make significant changes to steerage and power to reduce the risk of a collision.

The incident was spotted by officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary with the case being taken by the MCA which issued a caution to the man on 1 July 2024 after he admitted the offence.

“The jet skier was very remorseful and appreciated that his actions had forced a ferry with many people on board to, essentially, slam on the brakes,” says MCA departmental inspector Lesley Hopker.

“At a busy harbour, on the last day of Cowes Week, this could have had serious consequences. It’s a timely reminder that even small watercraft are now covered by maritime law and action will be taken against those breaking the rules.”

The jet skier admitted breaching Rule 9 of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea (IRPCS), contrary to Section 4 of The Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996.

Since 31 March last year, the law which was robustly welcomed by the wider industry, has also applied to jet skiers (under the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023), which enables those who endanger others by using powered watercraft of any size in a dangerous manner to be prosecuted.

A jet skiing teenager successfully halted an unmanned runaway boat that was circling on Lake Winnipesaukee in the US state of New Hampshire. A dramatic video captured the moment 17-year-old Brady Procon leaped from a jet ski onto the moving boat and shut off its engine.

Image courtesy of Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust and shows jet skis disturbing seals in a quiet Cornish cove.

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