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Accident prompts jet ski operators to amend procedures
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Posted on Feb 19 2005
By Marconi Calindas
Reporter
Jet ski patrons will soon find two jet ski guides following them when they go out to sea and may also find another one who will solely be in charge of rescue operations to ensure the patrons’ safety while at sea.
The changes result from a recent jet ski accident that killed a 10-year-old Korean girl last Feb. 13. The incident prompted the Coastal Resources Management to convene all jet ski operators in the CNMI Friday morning.
CRM director Jack Salas admitted that the permit issued to jet ski operators is not quite clear about safety measures. With the briefing, he hopes the permit will become clearer on this score.
During the meeting, it was acknowledged that additional jet ski guides should be considered to watch the riders going through the course and returning to the docking area.
“In case the passengers alter their course, the guide can immediately spot them and follow them for safety,” said Salas.
The additional jet ski that would be used solely for rescue purposes was suggested to operators who can afford one. CRM said the additional jet ski may not be insured if used for rescue operations but cannot be used for the passengers. It was suggested that this jet ski should have a “RESCUE” label affixed, which should be visible from afar.
The safety procedures were discussed among the operators and they agreed that briefing customers is not enough, said Salas. He said customers need to acknowledge through a signature that they are aware of the procedures and policies before going out on the jet skis.
“That’s important that we do that because we don’t want to find out later that an accident happened out there and the customers were not briefed,” he said.
During the recent accident, Salas said the operators had briefed the family of the victim on the safety procedures but Salas said that the CRM wants to expand on this, requiring customers to acknowledge that they understood the briefing by making them sign a form.
Salas said, though, that some operators are already doing this.
