Jamaica Bay Forum

[jbuttner]

Gateway National Recreation Area has announced that the ban on the use of personal watercraft in National park waters in the New York metropolitan area will remain in effect for the 2008 boating season.

The area includes most of Jamaica Bay (Brooklyn and Queens), the ocean and bayside waters of Sandy Hook, N.J., and the area along the eastern shore of Staten Island.

The Staten Island area includes Fort Wadsworth, Miller Field, Hoffman and Swinburne Islands and Great Kills Park and its boat ramp and the surrounding waters of Great Kills Park and its entrance channel.

The ban has been in effect for the past six years and will continue due to ecological distress, noise and non-compliance of boating rules by the operators of the PWC.

Remember also that you can not launch or land a PWC from any beach in New York City.PWC use is allowed from all other areas and in Raritan Bay.

In New York State all operators of a PWC must be at least 14 years old and have taken an approved eight-hour safe boating class and have passed a proctored exam.

The certificate of passing must be carried by the operator at all times. Personal Watercraft can only be operated from sunrise to sunset and when conditions are not classified as restricted visibility (rain, fog).

PWC operators must comply with all navigation rules that apply to all other vessels. The U. S. Park Police will continue to enforce the ban through patrols by their marine unit. Failure to comply will result in a summons being issued.

REQUIRED PWC EQUIPMENT

A life preserver must be worn by each person on or being towed by the PWC. It must be impact rated for 50 MPH and approved by the Coast Guard.

A horn or whistle capable of a two-second blast must also be carried.

A visual distress flag (orange color -- 1 foot square) must also be onboard.

Engine cutoff switch must be attached to the operator.

Lines for securing the PWC and a fire extinguisher are also required.

PWC operation is also not allowed in designated swimming areas. Reckless operation of a PWC is also not permitted. Examples are wake jumping too close to other vessels, weaving in and out of congested or anchorage areas, last minute swerving to avoid collisions and any maneuvering which endangers the life or property of others. PWC's can be great fun if used responsibly.
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