| John Stuart has also called for a national register of watercraft, which he said would also help reduce the kind of irresponsible behaviour that could put lives at risk.
Tayside Police said they would strictly enforce port authority by-laws when jet skiers or speedboat users were flagrantly flouting them.
Last month, Broughty Ferry Community Council warned that the dangerous actions of some jet skiers were an accident waiting to happen.
They were particularly concerned about jet skiers using their craft in non-designated areas.
Tayjet Personal Watercraft Club, based within the Royal Tay Yacht Club, demands that its members use the water responsibly but it is feared there are non-affiliated “rogue” jet skiers who are travelling to use the Tay.
It is understood some travel from the west of Scotland after restrictions were placed on the use of jet skis on Loch Lomond earlier this summer.
Mr Stuart said Tayjet worked closely with Dundee City Council and other regulatory bodies to ensure their members used the water safely but said it was not just jet skiers who should take the blame for all dangerous behaviour on the water.
He said, “There are rogue jet skiers who are not members of Tayjet and who are not adhering to the coastal by-laws or local rules.
“This is usually through ignorance rather than malice and we would encourage them to join our club to obtain proper training and information.”
He added that the club’s members were all responsible users of the Tay and that each jet ski now had the club’s name printed on it — so they were easily identifiable.
However, Mr Stuart said it was vital steps are taken to ensure everyone uses the water responsibility.
He said, “The larger problem is in identifying reckless water users of both boats and personal watercraft and until the Scottish Parliament brings in a national watercraft register, the problem will continue. As a club we welcome the tough stance the police are taking on reckless water users but again reiterate it must be on all water users.
“We look forward to the council’s introduction of barriers at the River Tay launching points and the possibility of a registration scheme as proposed by us and the port authorities at the quarterly leisure group meetings.
“We are also aware that the Scottish Executive are aware of the problems and urge them to finance a marine police unit to patrol the Tay, as is done on many waterways throughout the UK.”
Mr Stuart urged any new jet skiers to join the club, which has an open membership policy, and take advantage of the training they offer.
Their website can be visited at www.tayjet.com |
