Industry jet-boat licences were introduced yesterday throughout the country, but local jet-boating companies will not be changing much around their camps.
Maritime New Zealand has made it compulsory for jet-boat drivers to sit their licences to reflect good industry practice on the water.
The new programme will include a practical driving test, ongoing competency checks and drivers keeping a log book.
K Jet owner and director Shaun Kelly said his company already exceeded industry requirements.
The new rules will require jet-boat drivers to have at least 50 hours' experience before they qualify for the licence.
K Jet already requires double this.
"Everything applied in the tests we had done anyway. There will be no change for us."
Mr Kelly said it would now be a matter of "ticking the boxes" for officials and doing business as usual.
"We've been doing it for a long, long time."
The difference for drivers would be a tangible licence they could take from company to company.
"If you're in a jet-boat in Queenstown and you move to Taupo, your new employer will be able to recognise you are qualified and hire you.
"The licence is to show operators are prepared and it will formalise the industry throughout the country."
Mr Kelly said the licence was 10 years in the making. It was a positive move for the industry and would improve safety and regulation.
He said it was still up to individual companies, and in their best interest, to train their drivers accordingly.
Shotover Jet and Dart River Jet general manager Clark Scott said the licence would benefit boat skippers in particular.
Currently, Shotover Jet boat drivers require a minimum of 120 hours before being qualified.
Mr Scott said the 12 drivers at Shotover would automatically qualify for the new licence, but some new paperwork would be needed.
Mr Scott said Shotover Jet already conducted quarterly checks on its drivers, which was above the required standard.
All current drivers may apply for a licence under transitional provisions and these would 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 also makes driver log books mandatory, and includes design and construction changes, such as emergency exits and footrests, that provide greater passenger protection.
The new licences will be presented to the companies this month.
