Kawarau Jet co-director Shaun Kelly, of Queenstown, yesterday said the company was always analysing and revising its operational plan and driver training, particularly after the recreational tragedy in 2009 upon which the commission reported yesterday.
"Our drivers are trained very carefully, especially in the last five years. There's been a lot more boating, jet-boating and jet-skis down that area," Mr Kelly said.
"I think it would be a good idea for any private craft to be screened for a licence. In most states in Australia, you cannot operate a boat on a certain area unless you've got a licence and familiarised [yourself] with hazards."
The TAIC report made six safety recommendations to Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Debra Lawson, Maritime New Zealand director Catherine Taylor, Local Government New Zealand chief executive Eugene Bowen and Secretary for Transport Martin Matthews to address "safety issues".
Mr Kelly was asked to comment on key points raised by the commission's investigation. -TAIC: The process for lifting speed restrictions is inconsistent and there is a lack of a formal assessment of the risks created in doing so.
Kawarau Jet: The lifting was officially done in 1990, but our company's been operating down there since the late 1950s. I think there's no harm in assessing the current situation, as over the last 50 years, there's been a lot more boat traffic.
TAIC: Neither recreational boat users nor commercial jet-boat drivers are required to demonstrate knowledge of the collision-prevention rules.
Kawarau Jet: That's not correct. Our training regime is emphatic on collision-prevention rules. If you were to look through our training manuals, it's very intense on collision prevention. I would agree the private sector does not have to sit a licence, or anything, to do with collision prevention.
TAIC: There are no limits for alcohol and other performance-impairing substances for recreational and commercial boat drivers, and no legal mechanism to test them for alcohol and other performance-impairing substances.
Kawarau Jet: We screen our drivers, it's in our safe operational plan. There is no alcohol or any other substance to be used while on duty. Even if they are on medication, the drivers are stood down until they are off medication, so we are very stringent on that process.
TAIC: There is a lack of mandatory requirements for head protection on personal watercraft and other craft involved in high-risk activities.
Kawarau Jet: Helmets on jet-skis would probably be a good idea because [riders] do come off regularly.
