By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

IN response to rising public safety concerns, recent criminal cases, and international advisories surrounding jet ski operations, the government has introduced a range of fixed penalties targeting illegal and dangerous behaviour on Bahamian waters.

The three bills were tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday by the Minister of Energy and Transport, Jobeth Coleby-Davis, during the 2025/2026 Budget Communication.

The new legislation includes the Water Skiing and Motor Boat (Fixed Penalty) Regulations 2025, Boat Registration (Fixed Penalty) Regulations 2025, and Commercial Recreational Watercraft (Fixed Penalty) Regulations 2025. Offences under the new laws carry fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 and are designed to deter unregulated operations, reckless conduct, and breaches of maritime safety rules.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis reaffirmed the government’s commitment to marine safety and environmental protection as it rolled out new penalties targeting unsafe and unregulated watercraft activity.

“As we continue to prioritise the protection and sustainable use of our marine environment, this administration is taking decisive action to strengthen safety and accountability on our waters,” Mr Davis said during his 2025/236 Budget Communication. 

He announced that jet ski and motorboat operators will now face fines and fixed penalties for breaches of the laws governing their operations. To reinforce compliance, he said the government will establish a Maritime Revenue Unit within the Ministry of Finance.

“In addition, members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Port Officers, and other designated authorities will be empowered to issue notices, impound non-compliant vessels, and, where necessary, dispose of such vessels at the owner’s expense,” he added.

He stressed that watercraft operators have a “duty of care to their passengers and to the public”, and are expected to be “fully informed of, and compliant with, all relevant safety protocols and regulatory requirements”.

He said amendments to the law now provide for fixed penalties and fixed penalty notices, underscoring the administration’s determination to ensure that “our marine spaces remain safe, orderly, and enjoyable for all”.

Under the Water Skiing and Motor Boat regulations, people face $1,500 fines for operating unregistered motor boats, entering restricted zones, or driving at dangerous speeds. Operating a jet ski without a personal flotation device or operating during hours of darkness attracts a $1,000 fine. Refusing access to a peace officer or failing to provide accurate personal information also incurs a $1,000 penalty. Failing to display a boat’s registration number will result in a $1,000 fine.

The Boat Registration regulations impose $1,500 fines for operating unregistered vessels, vessels without valid inspections, offering craft for hire without insurance, and employing or acting as unlicensed boat masters. Using expired or cancelled registration, refusing inspection, or failing to display a vessel’s registration each carry a $1,000 fine. A $1,000 fine is also set for transponder violations.

The Commercial Recreational Watercraft regulations introduce a $500 fine for operating uninsured or unregistered crafts or obstructing authorised officers. Operators face $1,000 fines for offering crafts for hire without a valid licence, failing to comply with licence conditions, or operating within 200 feet of the shoreline. Reckless operation or transporting passengers outside designated areas carries a $2,500 fine. The most severe penalty — $5,000 — is for engaging in foreign ownership concealment arrangements.

Persons who receive a notice of an offence can avoid court proceedings by paying the fixed penalty within 14 days. Failure to pay within that time may lead to legal action and, if convicted, liability for the full penalties prescribed by law.

The introduction of these penalties follows growing concern about safety in the jet ski industry. In April, the Ministry of Energy and Transport responded to recent rape investigations involving individuals operating illegally without Port Department authorisation. 

The ministry, echoing complaints from licensed jet ski operators, stated these unauthorised individuals do not represent the broader, regulated watercraft industry, which the Commercial Recreational Watercraft Act governs.

In a statement at the time, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to enforcement through police vetting, licence revocations, and strict penalties for non-compliance.

The statement followed a travel advisory issued by the United States Embassy, warning visitors about the risk of sexual assault tied to jet ski rentals in The Bahamas. The alert came after two reported incidents within one month, including the alleged rape of a 23-year-old American woman near Junkanoo Beach, where a man has since been charged in that case.

In response to the safety crisis, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Port Department, Ministry of Tourism, hotel representatives, and other industry stakeholders formed a joint task force. Their focus included strengthening the vetting process for operators, improving training, ensuring insurance compliance, and enforcing fair operating conditions.