Charges have been laid against two commercial jet-boat drivers following a collision on January 4 on the Dart River, near Glenorchy, in which a passenger suffered a broken clavicle and several others suffered bruising.
The incident involved jet-boats from Dart River Jet Safaris, one carrying 11 passengers and heading upstream, and the other, carrying the driver alone, heading downstream.
Neither driver is now employed by Dart River Jet Safaris and the Ngai Tahu Tourism-owned company does not face any charges as a result of the incident.
The charges, laid under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act, are that the drivers caused unnecessary risk or danger to those on board through their actions.
If convicted, the drivers face a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months and/or a fine not exceeding $10,000.
Following the incident, Maritime NZ imposed conditions on the company, preventing the drivers from operating.
Dart River Jet Safaris regional manager David Kennedy, of Queenstown, said yesterday the company ''very much regretted'' people were injured as a result of the collision, as the health and safety of passengers and staff was the ''utmost priority.
''We continuously strive to monitor and improve where necessary our extensive health and safety systems.''
Drivers completed at least 120 hours of driver training before taking passengers, 70 more than the industry requirement, he said.
All commercial jet-boat drivers in New Zealand are required to complete a minimum 50 hours training, complete theory and practical tests, and pass a personal background check carried out by Maritime NZ.
Mr Kennedy said the company was not in a position to discuss any further details about the incident or charges laid as the matter was before the courts. The matter is expected to be dealt with in the Queenstown District Court on Monday. Maritime NZ introduced a new driver licence for commercial jet-boat drivers operating on rivers a year ago in a bid to improve safety and manage risk.
The licence is a requirement of the Maritime Rule Part 82: Commercial Jet Boat Operations - River, which also requires ongoing competency checks for all drivers.
