Latest news with #ScrutinyPanel
BBC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Scrutiny concerns over new Jersey maritime legislation
A scrutiny panel in Jersey has raised concerns after it reviewed proposed regulations aimed at strengthening maritime legislation on the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel said new proposed legislation did not include "sufficient provisions to deter operators of ships navigating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs".It said under the proposed changes, law enforcement would only be permitted to test for alcohol or drugs if a vessel had operated in a careless way or where it had resulted in the serious injury or death of another person. The panel said the new proposed legislation was not being "taken seriously enough". The proposition will be debated later. 'Mixed message' "The panel believes this sends a very mixed message from the Government about what is acceptable when operating a vessel and is at odds with what is expected of road users," it its comments paper, the panel recommended the minister for Sustainable Economic Development should analyse the data of all maritime accidents and call outs of the coastguard on a quarterly basis to establish if there had been an increase in cases that involved drugs or there was, the panel suggested the minister should consider updating the regulations to include provisions for breathalysing ship operators on suspicion of alcohol or drug consumption. Deputy Montfort Tadier, the chair of the panel said while evidence suggested the number of incidents involving drugs or alcohol in the island's water was "relatively low", the figures were likely to only reflect occasions when they were tested said: "What concerns the panel is that incidents involving drugs or alcohol may be missed as they do not meet the thresholds of dangerous or careless operation of a vessel or have not resulted in the death or serious injury of another person. "The panel recognises that it is not necessarily appropriate to apply the rules of the road to the sea, but we do recognise that like cars, vans and trucks, boats can be very dangerous too, when operated incorrectly."The panel therefore cannot accept that the proposed regulations fully meet their intended purpose and will be considering its next steps."The proposition is due to be debated by the States Assembly on Tuesday.
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Review into proposal to make Jersey waters safer
A review has been launched into proposals to introduce penalties for people found to have harmed others in Jersey watersThe change to the Harbours (Inshore Safety) Regulations would introduce new offences for the dangerous or careless operation of a ship and for causing serious injury or is also proposed to introduce aggravated offences for those who cause death or serious injury while under the influence while in charge of a review was launched by the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel, which said it wanted to see if the proposals go far enough to "make Jersey's water safer for everyone." Deputy Montfort Tadier, panel chairman, said: "Many locals and visitors to Jersey enjoy spending time in or on the water, whether it is for sailing, swimming or because they run a business that is based around what the sea has to offer. "Therefore, it's important that the laws which govern our territorial waters enable the authorities to properly deal with any incidents that might occur, especially in cases where external factors such as drugs or alcohol may be an issue."This review will investigate whether what has been proposed goes far enough or if more could be done to ensure it meets the aim, which is to make Jersey's water safer for everyone."The panel said it would present its findings to the assembly ahead of a debate due to take place in July.
