BOATERS need common sense, not new legislation, according to harbour master Peter Gill.

He said that, in the short term, the island would not be implementing new rules for pleasure boaters such as was recently introduced in the UK and Jersey.

The Solas V legislation covers small craft – in the UK boats down to 12 metres long but in Jersey the law includes boats down to seven metres.

Capt. Gill (pictured) thought the law was unnecessary.

‘Much of Solas V is common sense and stating the obvious and if people need things on a boat, they carry them,’ he said.

‘Legislation should always be the last option. I believe the standard of boating in the island is better than most.’

He said many islanders were taught to sail on courses organised by the College of Further Education, which gave them all the advice given in Solas.

‘There will always be the odd person who takes risks,’ said Mr Gill.

‘But then adding in legislation would not make any difference to those people.’

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