Phuket Marine Office Chief Adul Ralukmoon confirmed that inspections of jet-ski rental operators will be carried out between Feb 1-28, aimed at verifying the number of jet skis in operation, checking vessel licences and identifying unlicensed or expired registrations.
The survey will also be used to compile data for tighter, more systematic regulation of jet-ski services, which have long been linked to safety concerns and disputes involving tourists.
Operators with expired licences have been ordered to submit renewal applications by Feb 10. Those holding rental quotas but without a registered vessel – or whose jet skis are damaged – must present supporting documents to the Phuket Regional Marine Office by the same date.
Jet-ski operators without any licence at all, in violation of the Thai Maritime Navigation Act, have been told to report to the Phuket Marine Office by Feb 15. Operating without a licence carries a maximum fine of B10,000.
The Phuket Marine Office has published the inspection schedule in advance, with on-site surveys to be carried out as follows:
- Feb 9: Kata-Karon Beach (morning), Kamala Beach (afternoon)
- Feb 10: Patong Beach (all day)
- Feb 11: Bang Tao Beach (morning), west coast beaches (afternoon)
- Feb 12: Naka Island (all day)
Unlicensed operators who report to officials will be subject to inspections between Feb 16-28.
Mr Adul said the operation aims to ensure jet-ski services are operated “correctly and safely”, to build confidence among both the public and tourists. He called on all operators to cooperate and strictly comply with the law.
No explanation was given as to why jet-ski rental operators have been given advance warning of the inspections.
The latest operation follows a series of enforcement actions carried out in January by Marine Department Region 5 special task forces.
On Jan 16, inspections in the Koh Siray area and Chalong Pier uncovered 39 unlicensed jet skis.
On Jan 17, officials found a further seven unlicensed jet skis at Ratsada Pier and in the Koh Siray area. Later the same day, another 23 unlicensed jet skis were discovered during inspections at Laem Sai Pier in Thalang, Ao Po Pier and Yamu Pier.
In all cases, operators were ordered to immediately stop using unlicensed or expired-licence jet skis to provide services to tourists until they fully comply with maritime regulations.