Jet ski rental site breaks the rules

Underage riders have a field day as jet-ski operators at Khor Maqta rental station turn a blind eye to breaches of the law.

Hundreds of thrill-seekers flock to the Al Maqta Channel in Abu Dhabi on weekends to rent jet skis. Christopher Pike / The National

ABU DHABI // Jet-ski operators in the capital are operating with impunity, regularly flouting watercraft laws.

At the Khor Maqta jet-ski rental station, operators turning a blind eye to the rules and regulations, failing to check the age of the rider, whether they have used a jet ski before, or even if the customer knows how to swim.

When The National did a reality check on Friday, in less than two hours six people who were under the legal age of 18 took to the water.

The Department of Transport’s watercraft laws only permit those who are over 18 to use such watercraft.

But Bangladeshi operator, Shareef Mohammed, does not agree.

“[Knowledge of] swimming is not required. We give [them] life jackets and in case of accidents we would immediately reach them,” he said.

“Riders should be 18 years old. But if he carries along his children or gives a jet ski to others, he will be held responsible in case of accidents.

“We only take the Emirates identity card [of the person] who rents it.”

Hundreds of thrill-seekers flock to the location on weekends to rent jet skis.

Four young Emiratis, who appeared to be between 14 and 17, were able to hire jet skis easily, while a French mother got her 17-year-old daughter to ride with her neighbour’s son, also 17.

In one instance, a rider took his four-year-old toddler and wife, all without life jackets.

Samy, 17 and from France, rode with a female friend who was also 17. “I’ve come here first time but I know how to ride,” he said.

Operators charge in the region of Dh150 an hour for a 700cc-powered jet ski, Dh200 for 1,100cc and Dh250 for 1,800cc. They also have 1.8-litre double-engine craft which cost Dh500 an hour.

“If three persons came and one among them was over 18 and submitted his or her ID card, we are not responsible. This is his own risk,” said Hasan Ali, another operator. “If the rider violates rules it is his responsibility.”

More than 100 jet skis are available at Khor Maqta renting station.

The number of operators and workers are not officially registered with the DoT, which is the licensing body for these jet skis.

“Business is hampered because of illegally obtained receipt books for renting jets,” said Emirati operator Khamis Saeed Al Murad.

He said this was because “registered people get a book from the DoT and sell the entire book to other operators for Dh1,000”.

“Some operators here just bought a jet ski, a receipt book and started the business. I know three companies work here illegally and we have reported it to authorities.”

He also revealed that some people were not on proper visas for the job and had simply been picked from the market.

He said the coastguard would impose a fine of Dh500 if someone was found without a life jacket. If the person was found to be under age, the jet ski would be confiscated for three days and in addition the renter subject to a Dh2,000 fine.

He said only two riders were allowed on a jet ski at a time.

The DoT’s website states: “Hiring personal watercraft for persons below 14 of age without a specialised trainer or a superintendent over 18 years of age, or the personal watercraft’s engine is over 1,200cc, are prohibited.”

It also states that swimming ability is compulsory. The DoT did not reply to questions from The National, which were sent to the organisation two weeks ago.