Bill to designate areas for personal watercraft use

The House of Representatives has adopted a bill seeking to limit the operation of personal watercraft in certain areas.

Introduced by Rep. Clyde K. Norita, House Bill 14-241 would designate certain ocean water sites in each of the islands for personal watercraft operations.

For Saipan, the bill proposes to designate the ocean water stretching from the Garapan Fishing Base across the Kristo Rai Church in Garapan, all the way to Susupe Basketball Court across Guma Hustisia.

H.B. 14-241 tasks the three legislative delegations to consult with their respective mayors and municipal councils in designating the sites for Rota, Tinian, and the Northern Islands.

Personal watercraft is defined as “a vessel less than 12 feet in length which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet as its primary source of motive power and which is designated to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional [practice] of sitting or standing inside the vessel.”

“Designation and centralization of personal watercraft operations will strengthen and enhance positive results in line with the government’s strategy to rebound the CNMI’s economic downfall,” a portion of the bill read.

With the measure, it is hoped that sale of personal watercraft, accessories, and other related supplies will increase.

Further, the bill seeks to promote and stimulate development of personal watercraft operation skills necessary for local or international racing competitions.

“With this act in place, owners, operators and fans shall enjoy the privilege of operating their personal watercraft for business or pleasure at designated water sites in a reasonable and prudent manner to enhance the highest standard of safety for all parties,” the bill stated.

Speed limits will be enforced at designated sites, once the bill is enacted into law. Dangerous maneuvers will also be prohibited.

Other restrictions include operating an unregistered, unlicensed, or uninsured personal watercraft; allowing anyone under 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft; allowing anyone on board without a floating device; operating a personal watercraft at nighttime; and operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.