AQW 29094/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 02/02/2022
Answered On Date: 10/02/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any plans she has to create regulatory powers governing the use of jet skis.

Answer:

My Departments regulatory powers do not extend to jet skis as marine safety is a reserved matter for the British Government. The Department of Transport recently held a consultation on proposals to strengthen enforcement of the dangerous use of recreational and personal watercraft within coastal waters. The proposed changes to the Merchant Shipping Order will therefore apply to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Local authorities, who have responsibility for managing a particular stretch of water or coastline, under the Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (as amended), have powers to make byelaws to ensure the safety of all who wish to use these areas.