Natchapong Pranit, Director of the ‘Marine Department Region 5 office (Phuket Marine Office), reported that the efforts to target illegal jet-skis in the area followed complaints from local residents that the operation of the jet-skis was unsafe for tourists.
The Phuket News understands that many speedboats pass through the area.
A joint effort to locate and the jet-skis and their owners was launched yesterday (May 18) by the Phuket Marine Office, the Phuket Port Security Control Center, Phuket Marine Police and Navy personnel on board a patrol boat from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command at Cape Panwa.
Photos of the efforts yesterday showed officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) also taking part.
In total 26 jet-skis were found to be unregistered, Mr Natchpong reported.
The owners were identified and fined under Section 60 of the Navigation in Thai Waters Act, which incurs a fine of up to B10,000.
Exactly how much the jet-ski owners were fined was not confirmed in the Phuket Marine Office report. However, it was reported that use of the jet-skis was prohibited until further legal action had been taken.
The task force also investigated complaints that “jet cars” were seen in use in the Yamu Bay area. ‘Jet cars’ are jet-powered boats designed to look like supercars gliding along the water. They travel at high speeds.
Mr Natchapong reported that the use of such “jet cars“ in the area was not confirmed yesterday,
However, he noted that local boatyards and importers of jet cars were informed that operating any jet cars on public waterways was strictly prohibited without the proper permission.