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NSW Premier Bob Carr has banned the personal watercrafts commonly known as a Jet Skis and has prohibited them from operating on Sydney Harbour, Middle Harbour and the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers since October 1, 2001.
Thousands of personal watercraft operators was penalised for the actions of an irresponsible few.
Many who oppose personal watercraft have an incorrect and jaundiced view of their effect on the waterways. Modern PWCs almost all 4 stroke engines, boast energy efficient propulsion and low noise levels. Compared to other powerboats, PWCs leave an extremely low wash or wake, causing virtually no damage to shoreline, and being jet propelled they greatly reduce any impact on sediment or aquatic plant life beneath the water.
Tests have shown that today's personal watercraft is substantially quieter Today, new PWCs have vastly improved sound dampening systems and extremely low emission levels. Most are now more efficient and quieter than many other vessels, including those with stern drive and inboard engines.
They certainly make a mockery of Premier Bob Carr’s misinformed ban on all PWCs on Sydney Harbour.
For instance a new Sea Doo models for have a closed- loop cooling system , same as a modern car engine. They use antrifreeze colant instead of flushing their engine with a sea water. All other manufacturers like Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha produce a 4 stroke engines as well. Techonology moved significantly in the last few years.
It's been said that 'young cowboys' comprise the bulk of PWC owners, but that's simply untrue.
Many who oppose personal watercraft have an incorrect and jaundiced view of their effect on the waterways. Modern PWCs almost all 4 stroke engines, boast energy efficient propulsion and low noise levels. Compared to other powerboats, PWCs leave an extremely low wash or wake, causing virtually no damage to shoreline, and being jet propelled they greatly reduce any impact on sediment or aquatic plant life beneath the water.
Tests have shown that today's personal watercraft is substantially quieter Today, new PWCs have vastly improved sound dampening systems and extremely low emission levels. Most are now more efficient and quieter than many other vessels, including those with stern drive and inboard engines.
They certainly make a mockery of Premier Bob Carr’s misinformed ban on all PWCs on Sydney Harbour.
For instance a new Sea Doo models for have a closed- loop cooling system , same as a modern car engine. They use antrifreeze colant instead of flushing their engine with a sea water. All other manufacturers like Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha produce a 4 stroke engines as well. Techonology moved significantly in the last few years.
It's been said that 'young cowboys' comprise the bulk of PWC owners, but that's simply untrue.
Of the more than 8000 registered personal watercraft in NSW, the vast majority are owned and used in a family environment.
Additionally, many PWC owners also own larger powerboats and in the main are experienced boaters.
This is an outrageous case of discrimination. Thousands of personal watercraft users are severely punished because of the actions of an irresponsible minority who did not respect the rights and environment of others around.
If someone could remember reading Bob Carr's speach to Parliament and virtually every point was incorrect or misleading : " We don't allow trail bikes in the Botanic Gardens, so why allow jetskis in the harbour" .
What he failed to mention is that trucks, cars, 4x4s and buses are not allowed into the gardens either but cargo ships, cruise ships, oil tankers, jet boats, speedboats etc are allowed into the harbour.
Personal watercraft are, after all, small powerboats, and Sydney Harbour and its surrounding waterways are used equally by all manner of powerboats, from big cruisers to waterski boats and scores of powerful trailer boats with varied inboard and outboard propulsion.
I would like to emphasise that everyone is responsible for own action. If you speeding you will get a ticket and loose your demerit points.
Not much difference with a Jet Ski riders.
NSW Waterways has currently over 26 000 Personal Watercraft License holders, up some 20% from 1999-2000. The 551 infringements issued in 2000 by Waterways, represents a small minority of only 2% of License holders - and not all of the 551 reported infringements were in Sydney Harbour. Why are there 98% of personal watercraft users being penalized in this way?
Since 2001 ban on PWC in Sydney Harbour, Waterways Authority known as a NSW Maritime today, introduced a new and tougher regulations , compulsory registration for all PWC and strengthened PWC licence test. Heavy penalties has been introduced as well.
However, these days PWCs are more than just personal watercraft. The PWC has evolved into a true consummate allrounder.
I think that we need urgent discussions with the government in an attempt to resolve the matter and lift the unfair ban.
Let responsible drivers enjoy Sydney Harbour with their kids and families.
PORTS Minister Eric Roozendaal has been asked to lift the four-year ban on jet skis on Sydney Harbour to allow trials of a safer and quieter personal watercraft.
Even if Mr Bob Carr had a valid reason to introduce this ban in 2001 with all these new regulations a ban is obsolete now and should be scraped .
We should raise this matter again with the Goverment and all interested parties.
