PWC Conviction Appealed

[Powerboat]

Hi folks,

I heard the other day that the guy convicted of dangerous driving under the UK Shipping regulations had had a succsessful appeal. The appeal jdge apparantly overturned the original finding that a PWC was a normal vessel and redesignated a PWC as a Toy as they do not go on "Voyages" but rather fly around in all directions with out any particular destination.

Does this have implications for RIBs etc ?

Anyone have any links for press coverage on the appeal?

Kind regards,

Stuart

[Nos4r2]

Does that mean that they can continue to act like complete dickheads with impunity like the majority(but not all) of PWC users I see?

Poole harbour has started to escort the ferries in during the summer to stop them trying to go BETWEEN THE HULLS on the cats...

[Shaggy]

Seek and ye shal find..

http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-do...h=12&year=2005

Shaggy

[codprawn]

I think this is a sensible decision - otherwise where do you draw the line? Next they would classify a surfboard as a vessel.....

Most of the maritime laws are for big ships or sailing boats.

Apparently under law I need to register my rubber dinghy as a vessel if I am taking it abroad - bonkers!!!

[Nos4r2]

Possibly 'anything with a permanent or semi-permanently attached internal combustion engine" would be a better idea-and then a few stipulations for sailing boats. The issue really isnt 'do I have to register my dinghy' but 'is this floating thing capable of killing someone when used recklessly'.

If a PWC isn't a vessel by law then are they legally able to ignore the rules on giving way etc...or can we just run over them when they act like morons and cut across our bows and buzz us?

[Rogue Wave]

That decison is a shame, as it will mean extra and further regulation to curb BADBOY Jet Skiing! I remember once somebody telling me if you are nicked for being drunk in charge of a pushbike on the road you can lose your driving Licence which I thought at the time was harsh but now I think it's sensible!

It seems to me that a good way to go might be to equate any powerdriven activity to a car licence and have roughly the same punisments so if your boat speeding you get three points on your car licence, drunk driving on your boat lose car licence and so on

[Nate]

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

I remember once somebody telling me if you are nicked for being drunk in charge of a pushbike on the road you can lose your driving Licence which I thought at the time was harsh but now I think it's sensible!

They were pulling your leg. As no licence is required for a bicycle you cannot have it suspended. Few offences actually exist for cyclists apart from no lights, riding on pavements and "reckless cycling"...

[Nos4r2]

Considering the behaviour of some particular groups of those that ride bicycles maybe random culling would work better?

Seriously though, I think this decision has given PWC owners carte blanche to behave as they like with impunity and that can only be a bad thing-but I guess at least GBH,manslaughter and so on still apply to them.

[Nate]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

I think this decision has given PWC owners carte blanche to behave as they like with impunity and that can only be a bad thing-but I guess at least GBH,manslaughter and so on still apply to them.

Sorry Nos, are you saying we should apply GBH to PWC owners?

[Kernow Buoy]

Nate
Riding a pedal cycle whilst uncapable through drink or drugs is an offence as is being drunk in charge of a carriage (bike included).
Better walk home tonight!