Jet ski riders are subject to many regulations in Germany. Often labelled as noisy, smelly polluters, personal watercraft riders do not have the same rights as recreational boat drivers. They are subject to the "Ordinance on Riding Personal Watercraft", which imposes many restrictions. For example, according to the Inland Waterways Regulations, it is forbidden to ride outside the waters marked with the sign E.22 Annex 7. Unless you want to reach the nearest authorised water area or go on a touring trip.
Driving in the fairway is generally prohibited on maritime waterways. There are often special regional regulations, so jet skiers are ultimately responsible for finding out about the rules for the waterway in question. The Jet Water Sports Association (Jet-Wassersport-Verband e.V.), which was founded in July, is now calling for a change in the law for water sports vehicles with jet propulsion in order to create clarity. BOOTE spoke to chairman Christian Knigge.
BOATS: What goals has the Jet Watersports Association set itself?
Christian Knigge: One of our goals is to change the type approval from a personal watercraft to a recreational craft. Everything changes with the licence as a recreational craft. It will be possible to sail in harbour areas and fairways. We will approach the Federal Ministry of Transport with the aim of re-examining and modifying the outdated basis of the Maritime and Inland Navigation Ordinance with regard to the specifications for the operation of personal watercraft.
BOATS: Why do you think the current maritime and inland navigation regulations are outdated?
Christian Knigge: The regulations and restrictions have been taken over from the "stand-ups" (jet skis on which you stand), which can actually be overlooked. However, today's personal watercraft can no longer be overlooked as "sitters" with a length of around 3.30 metres and a width of around 1.30 metres. We now easily fulfil the requirements for a small sports boat. Here the industry is called upon to apply for new type approvals.
BOATS: Which jet skis should be licensed as recreational craft and is labelling compulsory?
Christian Knigge: We are calling for the law to be changed for all "seater" jet skis with four-stroke engines. "Standing" boats are not affected by this, but there aren't that many of them anyway. The labelling requirement already exists as it does for pleasure craft, we just don't have the same rights.
BOATS: Aren't people's concerns about noise pollution, the environment and safety well-founded?
Christian Knigge: We are not interested in racing, but in a water sports vehicle that is very popular - there are said to be around 4000 jet ski riders in Germany. In some areas, noise restrictions have been introduced that allow a maximum sound pressure level of 75 dB(A), and we are well below that. It is also more environmentally friendly if jet skiers are also allowed to cross the waterway on shipping lanes instead of having to take huge detours to get to the nearest open water area. People are pigeonholed far too quickly - not every motorcyclist belongs to the Hell's Angels either.
BOATS: How many members does the association currently have and how do you become a member?
Christian Knigge: After less than three weeks, we already have 100 requests for membership. You can register via a Facebook group called "Jet-Wassersport-Verband e.V." or by sending an email to christianknig ge@icloud.com. Regional clubs also have the opportunity to join this association. A homepage is currently being created.
The interview was conducted by Franziska Könnecke.
