Phuket - Jet-ski problem?

crowman · #1 16-10-2004, 06:17

I have been reading in the forum about the problem with jet-skis (i.e. people crashing and dieing). How the hell does this happen all the time?? Are the people just being stupid or are the waters dangerous or shallow in some spots? I do realize that they are inherently dangerous but it seems like its a problem in phuket.

Coolhand · #2 16-10-2004, 11:25

I don't think Phuket has a particular problem; between 1988 and 2002 the State of Delaware recorded 40 deaths and and 241 injuries. Minnesota records 8 deaths between 1990 and 1997, and in 1993 there were 26 deaths accross the USA.
Most people killed in jetski accidents don't drown but are killed from the impact. One of the problems with jetskis, is that to keep control of it you need to keep the power on - with out it you can't steer; another is that there are no brakes, you have to glide to a halt, at least a boat has a propellor that creates drag when its stopped.

koarl · #3 16-10-2004, 17:51

you need a Thai-Motorboat driving licence for all Vehicles with more than 5 HP, which a Farang can't get.

Therefor it is illegal to ride those stinky monsters in Thailand. You have to pay for all damage you make.

Stop renting JetSkis - It is illegal and dangereous!

richie007 · #4 16-10-2004, 18:53

Patong beach is not a very nice place if you decide u don't want to pay for your jet ski ride!!!

Last year i saw a white and black guy who could not get pay for their jet ski get chased by at least 20 thai guys along patong beach with steel bars and Knives up to the road because they could not pay for the jet ski ride and decided to to run!!!

I don't know what happened in the end but it just reminds me of how savage these Thai jet ski boys can be if they don't get their money. They are just about like animals in a way.............I know it sounds bad but god if you had seen they were chasing these guys in January 2004 with heap of tourists on the beach and not a care in the world for the bad reputation they would be giving it was fcuking terrible.

In patong money rules and everything with thais comes second.

If you have no money in Patong you are as attractive as a dead bull.

Its sad in a way cause phuket is so beatiful but money here seems to transcend all decent boundaries

stevem · #5 16-10-2004, 19:20

Not too worry, their time left in Patong is limited as they are going to be banned in the future, can't remember the exact date.

Jaysen · #6 16-10-2004, 20:38

Is that true stevem......, Are theyt really going to ban jetskis's????

I hear about this,but did not know if they were really going to do it.

dawsey · #7 16-10-2004, 23:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by richie007

Patong beach is not a very nice place if you decide u don't want to pay for your jet ski ride!!!

Last year i saw a white and black guy who could not get pay for their jet ski get chased by at least 20 thai guys along patong beach with steel bars and Knives up to the road because they could not pay for the jet ski ride and decided to to run!!!

I don't know what happened in the end but it just reminds me of how savage these Thai jet ski boys can be if they don't get their money. They are just about like animals in a way.............I know it sounds bad but god if you had seen they were chasing these guys in January 2004 with heap of tourists on the beach and not a care in the world for the bad reputation they would be giving it was fcuking terrible.

In patong money rules and everything with thais comes second.

If you have no money in Patong you are as attractive as a dead bull.

Its sad in a way cause phuket is so beatiful but money here seems to transcend all decent boundaries

Strange how they managed to get to ride the jetskis first.Its always money upfront as far as I found.
I think the guys running these jetskis are not too concerned with the age of the rider or their experience.As long as they can operate one is all they really bother about.I have plenty of use with one and know the safety rules to follow but none of this was given me when I hired in Patong.As Richie says money rules.
Saying that,provided you keep well away from other riders,dont try to drive too fast if its choppy,dont drive them if you have been drinking,and generally behave responsibly,jetskis are probably safer than using the road.

Rikke · #8 17-10-2004, 00:54

Nice jetski picture

eric-the-viking · #9 17-10-2004, 01:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rikke

Nice jetski picture

yes i agree i particually like the go faster stripe

butterflyblonde · #10 17-10-2004, 03:51

Fcuk riding the jetski , I seen a far better option in that pic

Bobby · #11 18-10-2004, 13:02

Officially, jet-skis are not allowed in Phuket but the law has never been enforced. There is a plan to establish a driving licence for jetskis (normally a boat permit) but not before 2011 if I recall.
Normally, jet-ski practice should be safe if you respect the basic rules: stay away from the beach (at least 200 m), beaware of people who are swimming or diving and and don't drive close to other drivers.
Regards,
Bobby.

stevem · #12 18-10-2004, 15:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaysen

Is that true stevem......, Are theyt really going to ban jetskis's????

I hear about this,but did not know if they were really going to do it.

Yes it is true, but it will probably like everything else they try to do, some group will complain, and it will be dropped.

koarl · #13 18-10-2004, 18:56

once more:

you are _not_ allowed to drive a boat with more than 5 HP without a driving license. Only Thais can obtain a Motorboat-License.

Therefor it is prohibited for falangs to drive jet-skis.

You are driving at your own risk and you have to pay for every damage and you are driving illegal!

There is no insurance for the vehicle you are renting! Even if it has a sticker on it!

Stop jet-skis!

stevem · #14 18-10-2004, 19:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by koarl

once more:

you are _not_ allowed to drive a boat with more than 5 HP without a driving license. Only Thais can obtain a Motorboat-License.
Stop jet-skis!

Yes we all heard you the first time. The fact is they are here and being rented. They are use at your own risk, but unfortunately this fact is ignored. Whilst I personally don't like them, tourist do enjoy using them here, and for that matter all over the world, without risk. It's just another nail in the coffin against tourism.

Bobby · #15 18-10-2004, 20:46

I found the following information that may be useful:

If you follow the dictates of common sense and the rules that are summarized below, you should have a good and safe time with these unique and exciting watercraft. The first thing to remember is that Jet Skis can be legally operated at only five beaches in Phuket: Patong, Karon, Kata, Kamala, and Bangtao. This shouldn't be an inconvenience for anyone as these are the most popular beaches on the island. Even if someone has what looks like a Jet Ski concession at another beach, don't rent from them. You risk a substantial fine and possible imprisonment.

Before renting any Jet Ski, check to see that it is licensed. The license numbers should be prominently displayed on both sides of the bow. Licensing is Phuket's way of controlling Jet Ski vendors. If you rent an unlicensed Jet Ski, you not only run the risk of dealing with an unreliable vendor, you make it difficult for Phuket authorities to control those who rent Jet Skis.

Anyone operating a Jet Ski in Phuket is required by law to hold documents indicating they are "Second Class Helmsmen of Power Driven Sea-going Vessels." This is obviously a requirement that is difficult to fulfill and one that is rarely checked by either those who rent Jet Skis or the authorities. Unfortunately, the only time it becomes important is if the person on the Jet Ski has an accident. The penalty for operating a Jet Ski without this documentation can be a fine of up to 10,000 baht or even imprisonment.

If you don't have this documentation, you can still enjoy riding a Jet Ski by going along as a passenger. The vendor will drive the craft and you sit behind as a passenger.

Common sense indicates that you should wear a life vest when riding a Jet Ski and this is the law in Phuket. In addition the life vest must have a whistle "securely fastened by a line to a convenient spot on the front of the jacket."

There are several regulations concerning how Jet Skis should be operated in Phuket waters that should be observed by those renting the craft. Failure to observe these rules can result in a fine.

Jet Skis shouldn't be driven faster "than the conditions warrant," and operators should stay within 500 meters of the coastline. There is also a requirement that Jet Skis be operated only "when seas are calm." If the red flag is up, indicating that it is not safe to swim, it is also a time when you shouldn't be operating a Jet Ski.

A very important regulation is that Jet Skis aren't allowed in areas designated for swimming only. These areas are easy to distinguish as they are delineated by floats connected with a rope. Keep your Jet Ski out of these areas!

When you rent a Jet Ski, be sure you have established the price with the vendor before using the machine. If you have a conflict over your Jet Ski, call the Tourist Police at 219-878. If it is an emergency, call 1699.
The rules and possible problems concerning Jet Skis look formidable. However, if you use common sense and follow the rules, you should have a good time.