ABU DHABI // Residents in Al Bandar and guests at hotels in Khor Maqta have voiced concerns at the jet-ski traffic commonly found on the waterways in their respective areas.
The Department of Transport’s rules state that personal watercraft can be operated “not less than 500 feet from the beach” and up to “a maximum of one nautical mile in length from the starting point”. The rules also say that “the user shall stay away from public and crowded places with beach users or from restricted zones, and shall avoid disturbing beach users”.
Shangri-La hotel staff also expressed their concern that unruly riders come very close to its private beach, disturbing its guests.
Thomas Guss, general manager of Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri hotel, said: “It has been noted, that in some cases, individual jet-ski users had made alterations to their engines for increased power, which in turn affected the noise output.
“However, we must not generalise, as this would be a small percentage of the overall users.
“The Shangri-La supports all sports activities. With that in mind, we also need to consider our in-house guests’ quality time and safety above all,” he said.
“This nuisance had been reported to the authorities both by properties as well as guests and residents directly affected by noise,” he said.
He estimated that out of every 10 jet skiers there were probably three who do not play by the rules.
The use of jet skis is prohibited on several stretches of water including the Al Raha beach area, Al Maqta [opposite Zayed Sports City], Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Bateen area and North Saadiyat Island. The rules also specify that jet skis should remain 60 metres away from people in the water and moored vessels and 200 metres from the coast.
A fine of Dh1,000 can be imposed on the establishments offering the offending personal watercraft for hire.
The penalty is doubled if the offence is repeated. A Dh500 fine is levied on users for breaking the law.
An Al Bandar resident, who did not want to be named, said speeding jet skis have made their lives hell.
“They create too much noise and we can’t sleep,” she said.
“I don’t think they are allowed for such activities near residential buildings.”
Mashhood ul Islam, a jet-ski operator, said: “We tell riders not to be close to the private areas, beaches and palaces. If they want we can accompany them to tell them or train them.”
On November 9, the DoT held an awareness event in Al Maya Island for jet-ski users, titled “Minimise Risk, Maximise Fun”.
Humaid Saber Al Hameli, acting director of the maritime transport sector, said the hobby could be risky if users did not abide by safety requirements.
Mr Al Hameli said that personal watercraft registration began in September last year and 1,200 personal watercraft had been registered to date.
anwar@thenational.ae
