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Review: Draft Harbours (Inshore Safety) (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202- Review

Committee/Panel: Economic and International Affairs Panel
Launch Date: 12 May 2025 Close Date: 4 July 2025
Review Status: Comments published Submissions Deadline: 30 May 2025

About

On Tuesday 8th July 2025 the States Assembly agreed to the principles of the Draft Harbours (Inshore Safety) (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202- [P.3/2025].

The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel having presented comments on the draft law and principles subsequently called in the Draft Harbours (Inshore Safety) (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202- for further scrutiny.

The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel invites Islanders to provide their views with regards to the proposed Regulations and if you feel the draft Regulations do enough to ensure Jersey's maritime waters are safe.

If ever you would like to get in contact regarding this Review, please email [email protected] 

The Draft Harbours (Inshore Safety) (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202- [P.3/2025] (the draft Regulations) was lodged au Greffe by the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development (the Minister) on 28th January 2025.

The draft Regulations propose to introduce penalties for individuals found guilty of causing harm to other people and enhance responsibilities on users of a wider range of watercraft. The draft Regulations should be read in conjunction with the Draft Shipping (Jersey) Amendment Law 202- (P.4/2025 adopted on 21st March 2025), which refers to amendments which have been drafted in parallel with amendments to the Harbours (Inshore Safety) (Jersey) Regulations 2012 and which, if adopted, will create the power to introduce some of the penalties in the Regulations.

The Panel's second comments were presented on Friday 17th October 2025 and can be found here: P-3-2025-Com-(2).pdf. 

Terms of reference

  1. To assess whether the Draft Harbours (Inshore Safety) (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202- meet the purpose of effectively enhancing maritime safety and to explore if the draft regulations represent a sufficient deterrent to careless or dangerous operation of a ship.

  2. To examine the introduction of new aggravated offences for boat masters and to consider the proportionality, desirability and rationale of these proposed amendments.

  3. To explore the rationale and legislative philosophy behind the draft regulations, including comparison with land-based regulation and penalties relating to operating vehicles whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  4. To evaluate whether the proposed enforcement powers are appropriate, sufficient and manageable under financial and staffing arrangements.

  5. To consider the adequacy of the Government of Jersey public consultation process and incorporation of feedback into the draft regulations.

  6. Any additional areas that the Panel deem to be relevant to the Review.