Sutera Harbour Marina - Why Do Local Speedboat Ferries Not Observe Rules and Regulations

Speedboat ferries continue to flout the laws relating to permitted numbers of passengers allowed to be carried and also International COLREGS.

Yesterday afternoon boat belonging to SeaQuest was observed entering Sutera Harbour Marina with over 20 passengers on board, any vessel carrying over 12 passengers needs to be under the command of a certified skipper and the vessel has to carry the relevant safety equipment laid down my the Marine Department, which includes fire exstinquishers, flares and first aid kits.

Later in the afternoon three boats belonging to the same company left the Sutera Harbour Marina three abreast, breaking at least two of the statutory COLREGS. They were two close together and should have kept to the right hand side of the entrance. If a boat had arrived when they wer departing a nasty incident could have occured. If these Skippers have certificates they should be examind and tested by the Marine Department.

David Ogden
Yacht Watch Service