GovWire

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 ferrys path, within metres of its bow.

His actions prompted the ferrys 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.

MCA Departmental Inspector Lesley Hopker said:

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.

At a busy harbour, on the last day of Cowes Week, this could have had serious consequences. Its 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 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.

Find out more in Warning for powered watercraft users as new legislation comes into force.