Marine Department officials urged boat owners and passengers to pay extra heed to safety regulations during the busy New Year’s holiday period.
The Ministry of Transport sent out a reminder to operators Dec. 23 that the week surrounding New Year’s Day is especially busy and that there was a need to be vigilant about adhering to safety standards.
Boat operators must abstain from alcohol or drug use, not exceed speed limits, avoid swimming areas and ensure passengers are secure before moving. They must not overload their vessels and must provide life jackets to all passengers.
Owners are required to inspect their boat engines and hulls before each trip and have bumpers to protect the hull while docked.
Passengers, meanwhile, were told not to stand on pontoons to wait for boats and not try to board or disembark while the vessels was still moving. Passengers must remain in designated seating areas only and not drink excessively. They were told to wear life jackets at all times and do not panic in case of an emergency.
