Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Gulf News
Dubai: Dubai Municipality and Dubai Police are working together to chalk out designated areas for jet skiers and swimmers on beaches, said a municipality official on Tuesday.
The official from the Coastal Zone and Water Ways section of the civic body said that since the subject is still under discussion, further details cannot be revealed.
Gulf News received complaints from readers who said jet skis on beaches were a nuisance for swimmers. According to them, there are no authorities on the beach to check on errant jet skiers. Currently, the Marine Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority regulations usage and licensing of jet skis.
Sultan Musabbeh Al Kitbi, director of registration and licensing, Marine Agency, at the RTA said that jet skis are regulated by rule no 3 of 2008 that stipulates the use and licensing of jet skis in Dubai and its Executive Regulation.
"The areas dedicated now [for jet skis] are Fisher Harbour 2 in Umm Suqueim 1 for personal use, and Al Mamzar which is dedicated for jet ski rental offices," he said.
A reader said: "Every weekend on the beaches of Jebel Ali and Mina Seyahi dozens of illegal jet skiers are seen throwing caution to wind and proving to be dangerous for swimmers. We would like the authorities to put a stop [to] such unruly behaviour".
Another reader said: "[For] the best place to watch how these jet skiers are proving hazardous to swimmers, just go to the Mamzar beach both on the Dubai as well as on the Sharjah side. They manoeuvre their machines completely ignoring the presence of swimmers".
Reda Salman, Director of Public Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, said: "The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) is the concerned body to register and license the jet skis in Dubai. So a complaint could be sent to them indicating the plate number of the violator.
"The Dubai Police [Marine Division] is the patrolling authority on the marine side and could be also informed immediately regarding the nuisance or practices seen as endangering the lives of the beach users.
"The beaches within Dubai Municipality's parks are well maintained and looked after by lifeguards and no such activities or violations related to jet skis are allowed or tolerated. Beach goers can benefit from such high standards and safe facilities."
Fines: Regulations- Driving jet ski without license will result in a first time fine of Dh500 and the jet ski will be confiscated for two weeks. In the second instance, the fine is Dh1,000 and the jet ski will be held for a month. The third time, the fine is Dh1,500 and the jet ski will be confiscated until the ownership license is reissued.
- Failure to wear a life jacket will result in a first time fine of Dh200, a second time fine of Dh400 and a third time fine of Dh600.
- Driving outside the specified areas will result in a first time fine of Dh500, second time fine of Dh1,000 and third time fine of Dh1,500 and the jet ski will be confiscated for a month.
- Renting without license will result in a fine of Dh2,000. In the second instance, Dh4,000 fine will be issued and for the third time, Dh6,000 fine will be collected.
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
