First jet boat driver licenses issued

The first jet boat drivers in the country to be licensed under a change to maritime rules received their licenses in Queenstown today.

Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Maritime New Zealand deputy director Lindsay Sturt presented the licenses to 10 drivers, representing 10 different operations, at a function at the Shotover Jet base at Arthur’s Point.

The new licence, as well as on-going competency checks for all drivers, is part of the Maritime Rule Part 82: Commercial Jet Boat Operations – River.

It came into effect on 2 August 2012, and requires all commercial jet boat drivers working on rivers to have a driver licence, with operators also required to establish regular driver competency checks.

“It’s important to balance the thrill factor that attracts passengers from all over the world, with appropriate safety and driver training measures,” Mr Sturt said.

“Jet boating is an iconic activity for New Zealand and an important part of the adventure tourism industry. The support we’ve seen from operators for this rule change is a strong indication of just how seriously they take the wellbeing of passengers.”

The New Zealand jet boating industry has 42 operators carrying more than 370,000 passengers a year. 

The drivers licensed today are:

Danyel Hutton – Wilkin River Jet
Brent Pihama – Wanaka Jet Limited
Brian Willows – Skipper’s Canyon Jet Limited
Hamish Egerton – Goldfields Jet (2003) Limited
Shayle Thompson – Dart River Jet Safaris
Fraser Gordon – Kawarau Jet Services Holdings Limited
Ronald Cooper – Southern Alps Air Limited
Wayne Paton – Shotover Jet (Queenstown) Limited
Simon Stewart – Lakeland Adventures Limited (Clutha River Jet)
Neville Kelly – Queenstown Water Taxis Limited (Thunderjet)

Drivers from other operators around the country may apply for a licence under special transitional provisions.
Transitional licences will be issued subject to a safe driving record and drivers being “fit and proper persons” as defined by the Maritime Transport Act 1994.

The rule change recognises the prior experience of existing drivers. While they won’t be required to sit a driving test, they will be subject to on-going competency tests.